Oxford United's new manager Mark Wright had talks with three players yesterday as he looked to bring in new faces with immediate effect.

Wright, who was appointed U's boss only last Wednesday, had those who were available in his squad in for a special training session on the Manor Ground pitch yesterday, and among them were three triallists.

Two of those who were involved in transfer talks were Yeovil goalkeeper Tony Pennock and the 24-year-old central defender Phil Bolland, both of whom are out of contract.

It is believed both will be talking to other clubs before deciding whether to join Oxford.

And another player unexpectedly back in the fold was Neil McGowan, discarded by former manager David Kemp, but back to try and impress United's new managerial duo.

Pennock, 30, has had an excellent season with Conference title chasers Yeovil, who just missed out on promotion to the Football League.

"I'm quite keen to come to Oxford, but I've got two or three other clubs to talk to first, and I think he (Mark Wright) needs to speak to his chairman," said Pennock, who hails from south Wales.

Pennock, who has previously played for Stockport County, Wigan Athletic and Hereford United, said: "I've been at Yeovil for six years. Perhaps I've been a bit too hasty to sign new deals.

"Yeovil offered me a new three-year contract but a few things have happened there and I decided not to sign.

"And I'm glad I held off because, to be honest, from the moment our final game finished, the phone's not stopped ringing."

Pennock confirmed that none of the other clubs he was speaking to was higher than third division, so Oxford look to stand a good chance of landing him."

Manchester-born Bolland is one of the Southport players many believed might follow Wright once he got the Oxford job.

Last season he formed a fine partnership with Scott Guyett and has had confidence in himself that he is now ready to plunge into the Football League.

"I didn't sign a new contract at Southport because I wanted to see if I could make it in the League," Bolland said. "But I've got a few clubs to speak to."

Scottish left back McGowan was shown the door from the Manor Ground by Kemp but could force himself back into the picture after thinking his Oxford future was finished.

"I've been up at Stranraer where I had a contract to play in their last seven games, but that was all," he said.

"I actually scored in one of their games, with a header.

"I was being played further forward than I'm used to, in midfield which was a bit different.

"I've come back down for a couple of days just to see what I can do and we'll see what happens."