A donation from the 12th man fund will almost certainly be used by Oxford United to fund a replacement for Peter Leven.

The midfielder had knee surgery this week which will keep him out until at least the final month of the season.

But the extra investment from the supporters’ group, which was set up to provide the U’s with ring-fenced transfer funds, will allow a loan signing for the rest of the season.

United chairman Ian Lenagan said: “It’s highly likely it will be used for a Peter Leven replacement, because that makes sense.”