Oxford United are chasing Scunthorpe's talented midfielder Lee Hodges.

Reports from north Lincolnshire indicate that United boss Ian Atkins has already talked to the 24-year-old former England schoolboy international, who was named in the PFA's Division 3 Team of the Year last season.

Atkins is reluctant to talk about any discussions with individual players, but admits he is an admirer of the former West Ham player, who scored Scunthorpe's winner against Oxford United at Glanford Park three months ago.

"I do like him because he's one who can play either side, wide right or wide left," Atkins admitted.

Hodges was released by Scunthorpe because of the financial climate.

He was one of their big wage-earners and although Scunthorpe persuaded him 12 months ago to sign a one-year extension to his contract, he was not happy there.

He has often played wide left, but because of the presence of the left-footed Peter Beagrie, he operated wide right for Scunthorpe last season.

Last summer, he was strongly linked with Hull City, Millwall and Reading, and although the Lions and Royals may not feel ready to go back for him as they look to push forward in Division 1, he is likely to attract considerable interest because of his quality on the ball.

It would be no surprise if big-spenders Hull made another approach.

A Londoner, Hodges is understood to be keen to move back to the south-east.

As with many of his targets, it is likely to be some weeks before Atkins knows whether he has been successful, as out-of-contract 'Bosman' players weigh up their options.

Atkins's reported interest in Hodges is an indication that he is looking for more end product from the wide midfield positions at Oxford.

Chris Hackett, Sam Stockley and David Savage often filled the right side of midfield slot last season.