Oxford United manager Ian Atkins may be ready to let Derek Townsley join Scottish club Gretna - to help fund the arrival of Richie Foran from Carlisle.

Despite a good pre-season which saw him hit a hat-trick at Moor Green, Townsley looked out of sorts after the first two or three games, as he took time to adjust to the unique demands of the third division.

He has not played a league game for the U's since their 2-0 defeat at Doncaster on September 20. Indeed, he has not even been on the bench for the past six games.

But Gretna boss Rowan Alexander says he is now ready to rescue the former Hibs midfielder from his Nationwide League struggle and give him a chance with his title-chasing side.

Townsley started off at Gretna, when they were in the Unibond League, after being released by Carlisle.

And Alexander was the Queen of the South manager who paid Gretna £10,000 to take Townsley into Scottish football.

Now back at Gretna, who are currently third in Scottish League Division 3, Alexander believes Townsley can help his team secure promotion.

He said: "It would bring him home as he is a Carlisle lad who wants to settle back in the area.

"I think he may be at the stage of his career, and his life, where he wants to settle down somewhere.

"He is tremendously versatile and could play in a number of roles.

"He is under contract at Oxford, but he has been told if he can find another club he can perhaps go."

Carlisle, managed by former U's winger Paul Simpson, have shown no interest in re-signing the 30-year-old, who attracted Oxford's interest after hitting nine goals in 22 games for Hibernian.

Atkins said: "Derek started the season well, but there are lots of things he can do better. Depending on injuries, I'm considering sending him on loan."

But it's believed he would be prepared to offload Townsley if Gretna want to sign him on a permanent deal.

They are being funded by millionaire backer Brooks Mileson, who just missed out on buying Carlisle United.

He has already spent heavily, bringing in ex-Watford and Birmingham defender David Holdsworth plus several former Carlisle players, including Lee Maddison, who had a spell on loan at Oxford.