REPORTS that Oxford United are close to signing Portsmouth striker Ellis Harrison were met with mixed reactions by fans of both clubs.

A strike rate of 16 goals in 70 appearances is nothing out of the ordinary, although the 27-year-old’s supporters say this is partly down to the player’s willingness to sacrifice himself for the team.

The forward also has a productive history alongside Matty Taylor in his favour, but the potential move also raises the question of whether Karl Robinson is looking to try out a new system.

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Harrison’s arrival would see him competing with Taylor, Sam Winnall and Dan Agyei if United stuck to 4-3-3, but the U’s head coach switched to a 4-4-2 diamond during some games towards the end of last season and.

That often saw Agyei play off the front two, using his pace to receive the ball between the lines and drive at the opposition defence.

It is also possible that Robinson is bolstering his strike force in case Winnall cannot stay fit.

But with Harrison and Taylor set to be reunited, there may be more than one leading role in United’s XI next season.