OXFORD United manager Malcolm Shotton has dismissed reports linking central defender Darren Purse with a £1m move to Birmingham City.

It's understood that debt-ridden United have already accepted an offer of £800,000 from a wealthy Division 1 club for the highly-regarded centre back, who is 21 on Saturday.

And a report in today's Sun claimed Purse is being lined up by Blues boss Trevor Francis to help their promotion push to the Premiership.

But Shotton said Francis, who is known to be looking for a centre back with Darren Wassall sidelined with Achilles tendon trouble, had not been in touch about Purse.

"Not at the moment," said Shotton. "I was in yesterday and no-one spoke to me.

"There is speculation all over the place at the moment about all the players. Things are in the pipeline, but nothing is imminent.

"Obviously it was all about Joey last week, and Purse this week. It might be me and Mal (Crosby) next week," he added tongue-in-cheek. United have rearranged their Division 1 local derby with Reading.

The fixture, which was scheduled for this Saturday but postponed because of the Royals' involvement in the FA Cup fifth round, will now be played at The Manor on Tuesday, March 17 (7.45).

It will be all-ticket.

Vouchers will be issued to all home supporters paying cash at the turnstiles at next Tuesday's match against West Bromwich Albion.

These vouchers, and match ticket stubs, will enable supporters to purchase a Reading match ticket until 5pm on Friday, February 27.

The offer allowing members/season ticket holders the opportunity of buying up to three guest terrace tickets for the West Brom match - which sees Denis Smith's first return to the Manor - has been well received.

And supporters can take advantage of this offer on Saturday because the club's ticket office will be open from 10am to 11am, before the Swindon Town reserve match, which kicks off at 11am.

United are close to selling out of all seats for the West Brom game already and indications are that the gate will be around 8,500.

"It's officially Malcolm Shotton's first home game in charge and there has been a good level of interest," said United ticket office supervisor Darren Bowler. "It's half-term week as well so we think it will be a good-sized crowd."

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