Joey Beauchamp could yet be staying at Oxford United.

The winger, who has been made a tempting offer by rivals Reading, has been involved in a series of talks with United boss Denis Smith.

And Smith emerged yesterday to declare: "I think we've got a deal going.

"I must have spoken to Joey more this week than in all my time here. I'm sure he wants to stay really if I pay him what he wants me to pay him . . . but then all the players will say that.

"I'm having to operate under very tight reins, so it's difficult. And a problem for me is that a lot of my money is already tied up with players who are under contract." It's believed the Royals, who in chairman John Madejski have the backing of one of the richest men in Britain, are prepared to give Beauchamp anything up to 1,000 a week more than Oxford to get him to play there.

But Beauchamp who has already played for one of Oxford's local rivals, Swindon Town, without success is loath to move if United are prepared to match or get close to what Alan Pardew's team will pay.

Meanwhile, Smith is hopeful of success in signing a striker by the middle of next week, having been turned down by Darren Byfield, who yesterday joined Walsall.

"I've spoken to a player's agent, and got a couple of people off beaches in places like Portugal to speak to me, and there are now people doing the homework, but I'm hopeful," he said.