OXFORD United have turned their attention to alternative loan targets after missing out on a player this week, head coach Michael Appleton has revealed.

The U's boss was optimistic of clinching a short-term deal for a target he had missed out on several times in the past when speaking last weekend.

But the unnamed target has instead agreed a move to another Sky Bet League One side this week, forcing United to look elsewhere.

Appleton said: "We've lost out on him, but as always there are three or four back-ups.

"We're on to the next one at the minute and we'll continue to do that, but we got out-punched by another League One side."