With not a single signing during the January transfer window, Oxford United fans were well aware that deadline day would bring some drama.<\/p>\n
Last week, the U’s lost three players<\/a>. Defender Jordan Thorniley was recalled from his loan spell by Blackpool before Joel Cooper joined Port Vale on loan. Then, striker Dan Agyei departed the club on a permanent basis when he joined Crewe Alexandra.<\/p>\n But, the U’s arguably replaced those three players and more on Monday with three new additions to the squad.<\/p>\n One player constantly linked with a return to Oxford was midfielder Marcus Browne. The 24-year-old hasn’t played for Middlesbrough since January as a result of injury but the former two-time U’s loanee has returned to Grenoble Road, this time on a permanent basis.<\/p>\n The former West Ham United<\/a> man signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, with the option of an additional 12 months, for an undisclosed fee.<\/p>\n Browne netted 14 times in 60 appearances during his previous spells with the club and Oxford fans will be delighted to welcome him back.<\/p>\n In recent seasons, Oxford United have enjoyed bringing players over from the other side of the Irish Sea.<\/p>\n In 2018, Gavin Whyte left Northern Irish football to join the U’s, with Mark Sykes, Joel Cooper and Luke McNally all following in successive transfer windows.<\/p>\n Now, the latest in the trend in Northern Ireland U21 international Oisin Smyth, who joined the club on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Dungannon Swifts.<\/p>\n Karl Robinson has described the midfielder as “one for the future” but it’s another exciting addition for the U’s.<\/p>\n Following the departure of Thorniley, a new left-sided central defender was clearly a priority. However, the U’s left it late to get this deal done.<\/p>\n Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown became the third and final signing of the transfer window. The 24-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has joined the U’s on loan and will provide defensive cover.<\/p>\n Cameron Brannagan to Blackpool has been the constant story throughout this transfer window but when Oxford rejected recent bids, it felt like the saga was over.<\/p>\n But no – the Seasiders had not just another one, but two more offers for the midfielder. First, it was believed to be around \u00a3800,000 before returning with their first seven-figure bid of the window with a \u00a31 million offer.<\/p>\n Despite the offers, the club stood firm and rejected both, even with rumours suggesting that Thorniley was still part of the deal.<\/p>\n With Brannagan staying put, there was a late scare when Football Insider claimed that League One rivals had bid for Mark Sykes.<\/p>\nOxford United Deadline Day Round-Up<\/h2>\n
Return of Marcus Browne<\/h3>\n
Young Northern Irish Midfielder Follows the Trend<\/h3>\n
Cardiff City Centre-Back Makes it Three<\/h3>\n
Bids Rejected<\/h3>\n