STEPHAN Negru could leave Oxford United on a season-long loan, according to reports.

The 21-year-old centre back has been linked with a loan switch to Sky Bet League Two side Salford City.

The Irish Mirror claims that United have agreed to send Negru out on loan next season, with Salford leading the race to sign him.

The Ammies are of course managed by Karl Robinson, who was sacked as U’s head coach in February 2023 after almost five years with the club.

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United have also received enquiries from Championship and League One clubs about a permanent move, the Irish Mirror has reported.

Negru joined the U’s from League of Ireland Premier Division outfit Shelbourne in January 2023, and was the penultimate permanent signing made under Robinson.

The defender played twice at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, and 19 times this season.

Thirteen of his appearances this season were in League One, with 11 of those starts.

However, he didn’t play at all since starting in the 2-1 defeat at home to Leyton Orient on February 24.

Following promotion to the Championship, United are expected to add new faces across most positions on the pitch, including at centre half, which could limit Negru’s involvement further.

He is though highly thought of behind the scenes at the club, and his performances at the beginning of the season just finished saw him rewarded with a new long-term deal in September.