LIAM Manning says speculation linking Ciaron Brown and Stephan Negru with moves away from Oxford United is ‘just noise’.

Reports have suggested a bid for Brown from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen has been rejected by the U’s, while rumours have linked Brighton & Hove Albion with Negru.

Brown was United’s double player of the year last season, while Negru has excelled since taking the place of the injured Jordan Thorniley at the heart of the U’s defence.

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Asked about the Brown and Negru reports, United head coach Manning responded: “At our end, we’ve heard nothing.

“You’re not going to stop the rumours but I would say is that it’s a compliment if anything.

“There’s a lot more noise around individuals when the team’s performing well.

“They’re lads that have done extremely well for us and are an important part of what we’re trying to build here. At the minute, it’s just noise.”

Brown joined the U’s on a permanent basis last summer, and has gone on to add 55 appearances to the 13 he made while on loan in the second half of the 2021/22 season.

Negru has made seven appearances for the club since completing a move from League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne in January.

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