It’s been a busy week for Oxford United, with one new arrival and also a first departure.
The club have also been linked with a handful of new players while the upcoming season’s fixtures have been released.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: One In, One Out, Transfers and Fixtures
Oxford United ‘Closing In’ on Millwall Forward
The week began with reports claiming that the U’s were closing in on the signing of Millwall forward, Tyler Burey.
Alan Nixon from the Sun suggested that Oxford were looking to sign the 22-year-old on a permanent basis.
Burey has made 58 appearances for the Lions since joining in 2019, with 24 coming last season for the Championship club.
U’s Eyeing Up Arsenal Midfielder
The next target for Liam Manning’s side was Arsenal midfielder, Tim Akinola, with the Oxford Mail one of several outlets reporting the news.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Chesterfield in the National League, where he turned out 31 times as they lost in the playoff final.
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Goalkeeper Departure
In what some considered a strange move, goalkeeper Jack Stevens was then allowed to move to Cambridge United.
The U’s had three goalkeepers on the books in Simon Eastwood and Ed McGinty, and were linked with another goalkeeper last week, so a departure in that area made sense.
One thing which raised a few eyebrows was that he joins the League One club on an “initial free transfer” but with the club retaining a “future interest” in the 25-year-old, who only penned a new long-term deal last summer.
League Fixtures Announced and Carabao Cup First Round Draw Made
On Thursday, the Football League fixtures were released. Oxford begin their new campaign away at Cambridge before welcoming League Two playoff winners Carlisle United in their first home game.
Oxford’s first match against Reading for 19 years is due to take place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, 14 October but this is likely to be rescheduled due to international call-ups.
Opening day opponents Cambridge return to Grenoble Road on Boxing Day with the U’s facing a trip to the Valley to face Charlton Athletic on New Year’s Day.
Liam Manning’s side welcome the Royals in the reverse fixture at the start of February and end the campaign with a home fixture against Stevenage followed by a trip to Exeter City on the final day.
Elsewhere, Oxford were drawn away against Bristol City in the first round of the Carabao Cup, while Chelsea U21s, Northampton Town and MK Dons are paired with the U’s in the Football League Trophy.
Oxford United ‘Admirers’ of Colchester United Midfielder
The next transfer rumour came from the Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, who claimed Oxford were one of several “admirers” of Colchester United midfielder, Ossama Ashley.
The 23-year-old joined the Essex club last summer and is available for around £150k.
League Two side Salford City are reportedly leading the race but League One rivals Portsmouth are also interested.
James Beadle Joins the U’s
Following the departure of Stevens, Liam Manning then saw the arrival of goalkeeper James Beadle on loan from Brighton.
The 18-year-old spent time on loan at Crewe Alexandra last season and will be pushing Simon Eastwood for the number one spot at Grenoble Road.
