Oxford United suffered a major setback this week as Des Buckingham’s side lost on the road against Northampton.
Elsewhere, a key player has been linked with a move away and the head coach has provided an injury update on two of his absentees.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfer Rumour, Injury Update and Dramatic Defeat
Championship Clubs Target Oxford United Goalkeeper
Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham are eyeing up a potential move for Oxford goalkeeper, James Beadle, according to The Star.
The 19-year-old is on a season-long loan from Brighton and has put in a string of positive displays, including keeping nine clean sheets in 25 appearances.
The Owls are said to be in the market for a new shot-stopper as they look to avoid an immediate return to League One. The report adds that Championship rivals Birmingham are also keen on the England U20 international.
While he is playing well in a promotion-chasing side, the Seagulls may be looking to send him on loan to a second-tier club for the second half of the season.
Should Beadle depart in the January transfer window, it would leave Des Buckingham with Simon Eastwood, who recently signed a new deal, and Ed McGinty, with the latter yet to make an appearance for the club this season.
Young U’s Now Out of FA Cup
On Tuesday, Oxford United’s U18s lost in dramatic circumstances against Gillingham to exit the FA Youth Cup.
The hosts took the lead at Preistfield but Leo Snowden, who became the club’s youngest-ever player last month, managed an equaliser.
But with the game heading for penalties, the game was won through a Gills spot kick late on in extra time.
Injury Update
Oxford full-backs Greg Leigh and Sam Long are closing in on a return from injury, according to Des Buckingham.
Both players are yet to make an appearance under the new head coach, with Leigh picking up a calf injury while on international duty and Long going off injured in Liam Manning’s last league game at Lincoln.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Buckingham said: “He (Leigh) hasn’t touched a ball yet, but he’s on the field, and that’s a good start. Hopefully, it’s another week, or two weeks tops, for Greg.
“Sam’s just making sure that ankle responds the way we want it to, without pushing him too quick.
“It’s still a little bit of a loose time frame with Sam. A week to two is what we’re being told, but it’s about how that reacts.”
“Greg’s still on track and started back on the grass on Wednesday, and came out a little bit with the group on Thursday.
Late Loss at Sixfields
Northampton scored a stoppage-time winner as Oxford lost at Sixfields in League One on Saturday.
After an entertaining opening 45 minutes, Cobblers took the lead just five minutes into the second half.
However, Cameron Brannagan levelled from the spot after the good run at the defence by Stanley Mills.
But the U’s were unable to leave Northamptonshire with a point after the hosts netted a 96th-minute winner.
The result saw Buckingham’s side drop to fifth in the table.
