“IT'S important we get the right ones, not just add to our numbers.”

Those words from Karl Robinson explain the lack of transfer activity from Oxford United so far this summer.

He has a point, with the U’s 17-man squad boasting plenty of quality but lacking depth.

READ MORE: Clubs will spend millions and still miss out on promotion - Oxford United boss

It is also fair to say that fans have a right to be concerned when United need half a dozen new signings with the Sky Bet League One season three weeks away.

In the same interview, Robinson reeled off his shopping list of three wingers, a holding midfielder and a striker. You can add a left back to that.

Many supporters have already worked out a new centre back is imminent. As we reported on Monday, the U’s are expected to bring in a target from overseas in the coming days.

That player is one of the ‘right ones’, as the United boss termed it, and signings of that calibre take time - even if the business done by the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County suggests otherwise.

Of course, there are still gaps that need to be filled further up the pitch. It is common knowledge that Jodi Jones has been training with United, while another forward joined the squad at Oxford Sports Park this week.

Both players would add quality and depth to the U's ranks, providing they can stay fit.

We all want to see United's transfer window step up a gear but last summer showed how quickly the picture can change.

The arrivals of Nathan Holland, Gavin Whyte and Jordan Thorniley the weekend before the season started turned the mood from ‘panic’ to ‘promotion’ and the U's started well, taking ten points from five games in August.

We are still a fortnight away from the equivalent point of this year, so there is no need to get too worried - but time is of the essence.