Oxford United boss Darren Patterson, holding out to try to land an exciting striker, says there are also likely to be at least a couple of players from leagues below the Conference National who will be on trial with the U's during pre-season.

o They have been identified by United's scouts as having promise, and it will be up to them to prove that they deserve to be offered a contract.

Patterson confirmed: "There's the possibility of two or three players coming in for pre-season from leagues below. They will be with us on a month-long trial."

United make one of their earliest ever returns to pre-season training, reporting back on June 23, giving them seven full weeks before the new Blue Square Premier season starts on August 9.

But while the lack of a new summer signing concerns many U's fans, Patterson says that supporters, like himself, must stay patient.

"Ever since the last kick of a ball in the season we have been working very hard to get players in," he said.

"I haven't dived in - there are players we could already have signed, but we have been assessing it and seeing which quality players are available.

"A lot of those are on holiday right now, managers are also away, and so we are just waiting to finalise deals.

"But I'd rather wait for the quality than take Plan B yet."

While several players have held talks, Patterson is prepared to take his time to find the right players.

"I'm not patient by nature!" he said. "But if we think the players are good enough, then we will go to any lengths to get them."