KARL Robinson says one of Macauley Bonne or Connor Wickham have been spoken about as transfer targets for Oxford United.

Speaking after the 1-0 defeat at home to to Exeter City on New Year’s Day, Robinson highlighted his forward line as a key area for recruitment in this month’s transfer window.

United’s head coach added that getting January recruits in before the trip to Fleetwood Town on January 14 was his ideal target.

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Both Bonne and Wickham have recently found themselves as free agents after leaving Queens Park Rangers and Forest Green Rovers respectively.

Bonne scored three goals in 44 appearances for QPR, however 34 of those games were as a substitute.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a more productive loan spell at Ipswich Town last season, netting 12 times in 46 matches.

Former Sunderland and Crystal Palace striker Wickham scored nine goals in 20 appearances after signing short-term deal with Forest Green in the summer.

Asked whether Bonne or Wickham are on United’s radar, Robinson said: “We just need a striker to score goals.

“We have an idea – we do know about Macauley and Connor.

“Have they been spoken about here? One has.

“I’d be lying if I said they weren’t on a list but everyone’s got lists that are huge.”

United have been plagued by injuries this season, particularly in attack.

Kyle Joseph has been out of action since early November, while Sam Baldock has yet to play for the U’s this campaign.

Swansea City loanee Joseph is expected to be fit for the Sky Bet League One clash away at Fleetwood, having been unavailable since suffering an ankle injury after a tackle during the 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury Town on November 9.

Without Joseph and Baldock to call upon, Robinson has been left with Matty Taylor and teenage striker Gatlin O’Donkor as his only options up front.

Robinson said: “The weight of the world has been on Matty’s shoulders, we’ve got young Gatlin O’Donkor who we believe in and has done an outstanding job in scoring two goals for a very young striker.”

Robinson believes the aftermath of the World Cup is hindering the transfer window as players return tired from the tournament.

He said: “I never thought it would have a massive impact on this window but we’re already seeing players are coming back from the World Cup, not fit and not quite raring to go.

“The squad depths have been challenged at the top level, which then means them going out to the Championship has been delayed.

“Then obviously what we’re doing with the Championship gets delayed.

“Certainly with two of our targets, it’s stopped that.”