OXFORD United triallist Junior Mendes seems certain to return to Scotland unless his club St Mirren agree to slash their asking price.

Mendes, formerly at Chelsea, has been training with United for the past week but is unable to play in any matches at which spectators pay at the turnstiles to watch.

With most of the U's training so far being fitness work, boss Malcolm Shotton has had little opportunity to see what the 5ft 8in Balham-born striker is like with the ball, but he intends having a look at him in a practice game in training some time this week.

Yet unless St Mirren drop down from the £100,000 they are asking for him, Mendes looks like heading back.

Shotton said: "We're still talking to St Mirren but after signing Windass we haven't got much money and they want £100,000 for Mendes which is way above out valuation. At the end of the day he's only 21.

"He's exercising his right to train at another club. In the first few days I've seen him we've been doing fitness work. In the next few days we may well have a practice match or half a game where we see what he's like." Director Maurice Evans, who recommended Mendes to Shotton, said: "I well remember him from his Chelsea days and, quite honestly, when they released him I was amazed. He's more than useful is quick and can play wide as well as up front.

"Steve Clarke suggested he try his luck at St Mirren but it seemed a strange move to me and I gather he's keen to return south again."

UNITED Reserves open their Avon Insurance Combination campaign at home to league newcomers Peterborough United at the Manor on Wednesday, August 19.

The revamped Combination comprises 29 clubs who play each other just once.

Of the big four, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham, only Spurs will be playing at the Manor, on October 21.

United Res fixtures: Aug 19 Peterboro (H), 24 Northampton (a). Sep 2 Cambridge (a), 16 Brighton (H), 23 Portsmouth (a). Oct 6 Reading (H), 14 Swindon (a), 21 Tottenham (H), 28 Gillingham (a). Nov 4 Millwall (H), 11 Colchester (H), 18 Brentford (a), 25 C Palace (H). Dec 3 Norwich (a), 8 W Ham (a), 16 Ipswich (H). Jan 4 Arsenal (a), 13 Charlton (H), 18 Chelsea (a). Feb 3 Wimbledon (H), 10 Southampton (a), 17 Fulham (a), 22 B'mouth (H). Mar 17 Barnet (H), 23 QPR (a), 30 Wycombe (H). Apr 7 Luton (a), 14 Watford (H).

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