LIAM Manning says he has the backing of the Oxford United board if he feels the need to splash the cash on his remaining transfer targets this summer.
So far during the transfer window, the U’s have signed free agents or used the loan market to bring in seven new signings.
Everton winger Stanley Mills became the latest addition yesterday when he joined on a season-long loan, following other temporary moves for James Beadle and Fin Stevens, while Jordan Thorniley, Josh McEachran, Ruben Rodrigues and Mark Harris have joined on permanent deals.
READ ALSO: Oxford United sign Everton winger on season-long loan
United head coach Manning believes his squad still requires a minimum of two new players ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, as the team looks to put last season’s relegation battle behind them.
Although the club has yet to spend a fee for a player this summer, the Oxford Mail understands that reports of a £400,000 bid being knocked back for Fleetwood Town striker Jack Marriott are accurate.
“We’ve had terrific backing from the board in terms of the support that Grant [Ferguson, chairman], Tim [Williams, chief executive officer] and the ownership have given us,” said Manning.
“It’s been excellent and there’s the scope to do the right one or two.
“Whether it costs a small fee, a free transfer or a loan, it’s trying to get the right ones in ultimately rather than if we have got a small budget to spend, just throwing it around because we can.”
Asked what is still required this summer, Manning said: “We still need to bring a couple in. There’s a huge amount of work that’s going on constantly behind the scenes.
“Ed’s [Waldron, head of recruitment] constantly on the phone, it never leaves his ear as he’s trying to get stuff done.
“We’re still quite clear that we need a minimum of two and hopefully we’ll get them done in the next couple of weeks.”
Manning is relaxed on whether these final additions to his side are permanent or loan signings, saying: “We’re exploring both, the list has both and we’re having conversations with both.
“We’re pushing extremely hard and I don’t want to run late into August to fill spots.
“I’m delighted to get Stan in, it’s been long coming. I think the first talks were the first week of pre-season so it’s taken quite a period of time.”
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) July 27, 2023
Liam Manning reveals that Stanley Mills’ move to #oufc has been on the cards most of the summerhttps://t.co/C1NBeFt0yG pic.twitter.com/tcZOf1B5Nl
“We’ve done a good job so far and hopefully that will allow us to get off to a positive start.
“We’ll keep pushing and keep working, and hopefully in the next couple of weeks, there’ll be some more movement.”
Meanwhile, more first team players are expected to follow Jack Stevens, Stuart Findlay and Steve Seddon through the U’s exit door.
Stevens left for Cambridge United on an initial free transfer, while Findlay and Seddon joined Kilmarnock and Burton Albion on loan respectively.
Manning said: “A couple of the squad I’ve spoken with in terms of when you look at the numbers, they might find game time difficult to come by, so we’ve said they can explore options.”
About the author
To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/
Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.
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