Oxford United have rejected a cheeky inquiry from third division rivals Swansea for their leading scorer Steve Basham.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins contacted United owner Firoz Kassam to ask about the 13-goal striker's availability.

But he was told Basham is not for sale.

Like most of his United teammates, the former Southampton and Preston striker's contract is up at the end of this season.

Vetch Field boss Brian Flynn knows Basham's qualities . . . he signed him on loan for Wrexham in 1998.

Flynn said: "We inquired about two weeks ago. He's a quick and athletic striker.

"Oxford don't want to lose him, but the chairmen have spoken."

Kassam confirmed: "Swansea did make an inquiry, but he's not for sale and I told them that. He is under contract to us until the end of the season."

Meanwhile, Julian Alsop came safely through 60 minutes of a reserve team match yesterday to put himself in line for a recall against Scunthorpe at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

Alsop, who has not played this year because of suspension, was in a strong-looking reserve side beaten 1-0 by Wycombe Wanderers Res at Iffley Road.

Also getting an hour's action were Lee Steele, Danny Brown, Chris Hackett and Matt Bound, who are all likely to feature in the squad for a game third-placed Oxford are desperate to win to extend the gap over fourth-placed Mansfield.

Steele created a chance from which United should have scored when he broke clear on the left. From his pull-back, Chris Hackett rounded the keeper but fired a left-footed shot wide.

In the second half, Jefferson Louis and Matt Brandish both hit the bar.

Wycombe's goal came from Brazilian triallist Emerson after 77 minutes.

Oxford Utd Res: Cox, Garner, Scott, Brown, Bound, Louis, Hackett, Waterman, Steele, Alsop, Oldfield. Subs used: R Tweed, Winters, Brandish, Patterson, Omoyinmi, Alexis, J Tweed, Keeble.

United will equal a nine-year best if they can extend their unbeaten home league run to 16 matches without defeat against Scunthorpe.