Oxford United appear to be closing in on the first of “three or four” players boss Michael Appleton is keen to sign before the loan window closes next week.

According to Kidderminster Harriers, a deal has been agreed for Chey Dunkley, who is now in talks over personal terms.

The 22-year-old centre back, an England C international, has made 95 appearances for the Vanarama Conference club, who are ready to sell in a bid to ease financial worries.

They have also been linked with two strikers – Patrick Hoban, who plays for newly-crowned SSE Airtricity League champions Dundalk in Ireland and Burgess Hill’s Greg Luer.

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While United have not commented on any of the trio, Appleton is keen to strengthen the squad before the November 27 deadline.

They are particularly looking to bolster options up front, with Carlton Morris and Alex Jakubiak ending their loans early in the past month.

A friendly against Bournemouth has been arranged for today, which will see a handful of triallists in action.

Several targets were given a run-out against Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

Speaking on Saturday, Appleton believed United were on course to agreeing deals with at least one player on their wish-list, possibly even by the end of today.

“There will be one or two lads who will probably play (against Bourne-mouth) that we will be hopefully looking to try and do something with,” United’s head coach said.

“I’m hoping there will be at least a couple of new faces in the building, certainly by Wednesday and hopefully before.

“We are getting to a part of the season now, obviously the window shuts on the 27th, and I do want three or four new bodies in the building just to freshen it up.”

Appleton indicated the deals are likely to be a mixture of loans to cover the busy Christmas period, while others will look to a more permanent agreement.

He said: “Some of it will be short-term, but we’ll be looking beyond as well.

“I think we’ve been quite clever and correct in terms of the people we’ve let out. We need to replace them now.”

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