Oxford United are hoping to finalise one more signing before pre-season training begins this time next week – but it will not be Alfie Mawson.

The 21-year-old centre back caught the eye on loan last season in a Wycombe Wanderers side who were Sky Bet League Two’s surprise package.

Mawson scored seven goals to help the Chairboys reach the play-off final and is available after turning down a contract at Brentford earlier this month.

United, who scouted Mawson several times last season, are keen, but look set to miss out in the face of competition from several League One clubs, with Swindon Town, Bradford City and Millwall believed to be interested.

Mark Ashton, U’s chief executive, said: “I think Mawson is very unlikely, because there’s interest from higher leagues.

“He’s someone we admire, but my feeling is he will go to a higher league club.”

Despite being resigned to losing out on Mawson, United have made significant progress in their bid to strengthen the squad this summer.

Forwards Kemar Roofe and Ryan Taylor have been recruited, along with midfielder Liam Sercombe and goalkeeper Sam Slocombe.

There remains a gap at right back, with head coach Michael Appleton earlier this month reiterating his hope about securing a return for George Baldock after a successful loan spell from MK Dons last season.

The Oxford Mail understands the 22-year-old remains a possibility, but any prospect of a move is reliant on the Dons.

The club have been determined to get the vast majority of their activity done before the first day of pre-season, which is next Tuesday, and they are on course, according to Ashton.

“We’re still working on one at the moment,” said Ashton.

“It could happen tomorrow or in a week’s time.

“We said we wanted as much of our business done before the players come back and I think we’ve done that. There’s a good possibility there will be another one in before then.

“Will we do anything beyond that? If the right one becomes available we would, but I think we are getting close to saying the squad is in a position we would’ve wanted it to be upon returning for pre-season.”

The project to install a new playing surface at the Kassam Stadium reached an important phase yesterday.

Contractors Greenfields began laying the artificial element of the pitch.

It's hoped this will maintain the quality of the grass throughout the campaign.