Michael Appleton is keen to loan out a couple of senior Oxford United players before the window closes on Thursday.

The U’s boss looks set for a busy week, building on deals to bring in Chey Dunkley and Partrick Hoban last Thursday.

He is still looking to tie up a deal for Jarrow Roofing’s John Campbell, plus potentially one other target, but there is also a desire to move players out.

Tom Newey and David Hunt have moved in the last month, while Sam Long was loaned out to Kidderminster Harriers as part of the Dunkley deal – and more could follow.

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Appleton’s chances of making signings are not dependent on shifting out-of-favour players, but the head coach admitted it would be useful.

He said: “I think it’s quite important for the squad that if at least one more goes out it certainly gives you options to go and look at bigger fish in bigger ponds.

“There are a couple of experienced players who weren’t in the squad (on Saturday) and if we can do something and get them out to play some football it will be good for both parties.”

Junior Brown is an obvious candidate after playing just five minutes of competitive football in the past six weeks, while Dunkley’s arrival saw Michael Raynes drop out at the weekend.

Dunkley could make his first appearance in a U’s shirt when their development side play North Leigh at Eynsham Park tonight (7.30).

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