OXFORD United have turned down a £400,000 offer from their former manager Denis Smith at West Bromwich Albion for goalkeeper Phil Whitehead and midfielder Paul Powell.

The bid came following the collapse of Joey Beauchamp's move from Oxford to Southampton yesterday morning, and after news that Derby's Jim Smith would not be putting in a bid for Powell.

The West Brom offer was a combined one for 28-year-old Whitehead and 20-year-old Powell, who has just returned from Italy where he played in the Football League Under 21 side's 1-1 draw against their Serie B counterparts.

United were waiting to see last night whether Albion would increase their offer.

But, in any case, although both West Brom - at home to Wolves - and United - at Norwich - both have Sunday games, the deadline has already passed for the money to be paid into the Football League's bank account for transfers involving fees.

A more likely scenario if West Brom still want to pursue their interest, would be a move on Monday morning.

West Brom's chief executive John Wile said: "The door is not fully closed. The deal is not dead. We're going to see what happens."

Denis Smith, of course, knows all about the Oxford duo. He frequently described Whitehead as the best goalkeeper in the division and he always considered Powell as an outstanding talent, albeit one who needed to attain greater consistency.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alan Miller is Albion's first-choice keeper at the moment, but he has not been playing particularly well.

Meanwhile, skipper Les Robinson returns from a one-match suspension and could slot back into the centre of the three-man defence, releasing David Smith into midfield.

Centre back Phil Whelan, who studied at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, is also available again after suspension, but it seems likely that, after two straight wins, Brian Wilsterman will keep his place on the right side of central defence.

United manager Malcolm Shotton said: "All the available players will be in training today and I'll select a team from that."

United will be taking a 15-man squad to Carrow Road and the team will be able to stay overnight in Norwich to ensure they are properly prepared for tomorrow's 1pm kick-off.

The club were hoping that money from a transfer would go towards the estimated £800 hotel bill, but a benefactor, who hasn't been named, is helping out.

City, who have gone seven games unbeaten, and who are undefeated at home all season, are expecting an 18,000 gate after slashing admission prices because the match is live on Sky TV. Tickets will cost just £5 for adults and £1 for juniors and OAPs.

Danger man Darren Eadie is out with a cartilage injury, but Norwich's strikeforce of Craig Bellamy and Iwan Roberts, who have hit 23 goals between them, will take some stopping.

STAFF at United, who have been getting food parcels dropped in by fans while they have been going without pay, have been enjoying the contents of a massive Marks and Spencer hamper food parcel, courtesy of the News of the World.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.