OXFORD United’s playing budget for this season has been increased in the wake of two big-money exits in the past fortnight.

And the additional resources could start to be used as early as today, with a forward understood to be very close to agreeing a move.

With less than three weeks to go until the start of the season, United’s squad still needs reinforcing in the wake of Kemar Roofe and Callum O’Dowda departing.

While it was a blow to lose both, particularly so late in the summer, the silver lining is the club received more than £4m.

The deals are in-keeping with United’s central plan on the playing side – develop young talent which will either take the side up the leagues, or become an asset which can be sold.

Darryl Eales, the U’s chairman, has sanctioned what is believed to be a six-figure increase to the playing budget from the income.

He said: “The one thing fans should be grateful for is that Roofey and Callum’s transfers have enabled us to make a significant increase in the playing budget that makes us competitive in League One.”

The additional funds are required to find suitable replacements.

United were frustrated to lose out on Matty Taylor late last week, who was viewed as a player who could help compensate for the loss of Roofe’s firepower.

Other goalscorers are being targeted, but in the meantime an O’Dowda replacement has been lined up.

United ran out of time at the end of last week to get everything finalised, but with the recruitment staff back from the training camp in Spain, progress on that deal is expected to be rapid.

One thing head coach Michael Appleton is sure of – barring an astronomical offer, no other prized assets will be leaving this summer.

“I think enough’s enough,” he said.

“We’ve had the best part of 40 goals leave the building over the last week, so we have to replace them.

“We now should have an opportunity to try and replace Callum and Roofey with another two really talented players.

“All I’d say to fans is have a bit of patience with some of the new faces because we’ll bring one or two in hopefully over the next week and it’s quite late in July, so they will need time to integrate.”