Michael Appleton expects Oxford United to be busy when the loan window opens today, with the head coach aiming to have at least one deal completed before the weekend.

The club are hoping to have more success than they had on transfer deadline day last Monday, when a move for Peterborough United striker Tyrone Barnett collapsed.

And their requirements have gone up since then, with Will Hoskins appearing to sustain a serious injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southend United.

Appleton described missing out on Barnett last week as a “big blow” and met several agents yesterday as the club stepped up their search.

There is room in the budget for additions, so the key to getting deals over the line is likely to rest on convincing players to join a side who have struggled for results this season.

Despite this, the U’s boss is very keen to get a new face in before the meeting of Sky Bet League Two’s bottom two in Devon this weekend.

He said: “I’d like to think we’re going to be very proactive and make sure that we have got at least one player in the building before the Exeter game.

“In essence it’s almost easier, because clubs are a little bit easier to deal with when it comes to loans, because they don’t see it as much of a risk.

“Hopefully negotiations with certain players will be a little bit easier.”

While Barnett may still be an option, there are a host of new targets who were not available during the transfer window.

And while bringing in added firepower remains the priority, the Oxford Mail understands it is not the only area of the pitch United are looking to strengthen.

The level of their activity will depend on how long Hoskins will be on the sidelines.

The striker, who only signed last month, went for a scan on the groin injury yesterday and news is expected shortly.

Appleton was reluctant to speculate on Saturday how long Hoskins might be out for, but did admit it could mean an extra signing was needed.

He said: “I think we have to, simple as that, with what happened to Will and a couple of knocks we had.

“Where it was one or two before, it might have to be two or three.”

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