Oxford United have not given up hope of bringing George Baldock back to the club as they look for the final pieces of Michael Appleton’s jigsaw for next season.

The U’s are close to the 22-man squad Appleton wants to head into the new Sky Bet League Two campaign, but they are still in need of a right back.

Baldock impressed while on loan last season, helping to tighten up the back four in the closing weeks of the season, when United conceded just ten goals in his 12 appearances.

The 22-year-old still has a year left on his contract at MK Dons, who are now preparing for life in the Championship after winning automatic promotion.

United

Appleton remains a firm admirer of Baldock, while admitting any hope of a return rests with his parent club.

The head coach said: “There’s definite interest, of course there is.

“He’s a fantastic player and someone we’d love to have here.

“But the reality is he’s an MK Dons player and they’ve just gone up into the Championship.

“We’ll certainly keep monitoring that one, definitely, but in the meantime we have to go and speak to other players and clubs.

“It’s a waiting game because I’m not too sure if they know 100 per cent what they’re going to do.

“They’ve got two very good right backs in front of him this year, but I think we’ll continue to monitor it.

“Nothing’s changed from our point of view, yes we’d love to (take him).”

United moved quickly this summer to bring in three key players already, with Kemar Roofe, Liam Sercombe and Ryan Taylor strengthening the squad.

Mark Ashton, the club’s chief executive, is hopeful another new face will arrive shortly, but does not know how many more deals will be done this summer.

“It’s about getting the right type and working through this process all the time,” he said.

“I think if you follow that process it reduces the risk.

“Everyone at the club is working very hard behind the scenes.

“You can never say never, it may be one it may be two, it might be three.

“I want the majority of the squad together, if not all of it, for when Michael gets the squad back at the end of June.

“Then he has a full pre-season to build and prepare for what we hope will be a successful season.”