Oxford United last night made a substantial offer for Aberdeen's attacking midfielder Dean Windass.

The 29-year-old player, well known by United boss Malcolm Shotton from their days together at Hull City, has been told by the Dons that he is free to go.

Huddersfield and West Brom have also shown an interest, but reports from Scotland today claim Oxford United managing director Keith Cox has now made a bid and it's being considered by Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne.

United's chase for Windass knocks on the head any thoughts that Shotton may have given up on Windass after last week signing Tottenham's 23-year-old midfielder Danny Hill and Southend striker Andy Thomson.

Windass, who joined the Scottish Premier League club for £700,000 three years ago, is a prolific goalscorer with nearly 80 league goals to his name as an attacking midfielder or forward in England and Scotland.

Aberdeen want £400,000 for him and yesterday's bid by Oxford is understood unofficially to be "near £400,000".

Dons supremo Milne said: "We are still in discussions with Oxford United. We have replied to the offer from Oxford and are now awaiting a reply from them."

Windass said: "It's all being dealt with by my agent. I'm quite keen on returning to England and obviously know Malcolm very well although I haven't spoken to him yet about this.

"It's all down to whether Aberdeen accept Oxford's offer and then we'll take it from there. If they do I might fly down south tomorrow for personal talks."

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