OXFORD United’s bid for Tyrone Barnett shows their commitment to strengthening the squad as the January transfer window enters its final week, according to chief executive Mark Ashton.

A significant fee was agreed with Peterborough United at the start of the month for the 29-year-old striker, who scored six goals in 12 starts on loan at United earlier this season.

The ball is now in Barnett’s court, although with clubs in the Sky Bet Championship and League One also in the running, a return to the Kassam Stadium may still be an outside bet.

Whatever the outcome, the scale of the bid is one few outfits in League Two would consider, but Ashton felt it was a statement of intent.

He said: “I think it is, but I think we have done that all along.

“To be fair to Darryl (Eales, chairman) he has backed Michael (Appleton, head coach) and if we identify the right ones and they’re available we have done our best to get them.”

With several offers in for targets, both permanent involving fees and loan deals, it shapes up to be a hectic week ahead of the transfer window closing next Monday.

Appleton said: “The three players I hope will come into the building this week will answer all the questions every Oxford United fan has got.”