OXFORD United boss Karl Robinson admits he would love to keep several of the squad’s loan players beyond this season.
Jerome Sinclair and Ahmed Kashi are both in his sights, while the head coach suggested the U’s could even make an attempt to sign Marcus Browne on a permanent basis from West Ham United this summer.
Having got to a position where they feel the club’s status in Sky Bet League One next season is secure, planning for the summer recruitment drive can now go into full swing.
Sinclair, who has scored four of United’s 13 goals since signing on loan from Watford in January has already hinted a return could be on the cards.
Also read: Karl Robinson short-listed for manager of the month award
Having seen the 22-year-old first-hand, Robinson would welcome the striker – and Kashi – with open arms.
The U’s boss said: “I know Jerome said last week we could be an option – I would take that option up now if you offered it to me.
“If you offered me Kashi right now I’d sign him.
“We do need a holding midfield player, we know that – Mous (John Mousinho) isn’t getting any younger.
“If you can keep some of the players together and we’re speaking to one or two of them already, you wouldn’t find yourself too far off.”
Fresh loan moves may be the more likely way United could fund returns – particularly for Sinclair, who is contracted until 2021.
But Robinson has an eye on an ambitious move for Browne, who has a deal which runs until 2020 with the Premier League club.
“I don’t know whether that would be a West Ham decision (they would consider),” the U’s boss said.
“I’d like to take him on a permanent, that would be the ideal.
“I’m sure his agent would disagree that we could afford him, but we believe we can.”
Such a move would be a surprise, with U’s owner Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth revealing last month the playing budget for next season could be slightly reduced.
The club have also battled financial problems for much of the season and Robinson knows clarity is needed quickly.
He said: “We’ve got a big board meeting at the end of the month.
“We have to get our own house in order.
“We’ve caused some of this ourselves.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel