REPORTS Oxford United have had a bid rejected for Marvin Johnson are wide of the mark, the Oxford Mail understands.

The winger is in demand and has made a flying start to the season for Motherwell, scoring in his last three appearances in the Scottish League Cup.

Last week manager Mark McGhee admitted he was "astonished" Johnson was still at the club.

One report yesterday claimed the U's had seen a bid for the 25-year-old turned down by the Scottish Premier League club.

But sources at United this morning made it clear while a polite enquiry had been made about Johnson's availability, no formal approach had followed.

They are monitoring the situation, but the chances of securing a move for a player who would command a significant transfer fee at this stage was described as "unlikely".

It fits in with head coach Michael Appleton's comments last weekend when asked if any more new faces would arrive before the start of the season this Saturday.

He said: "We’re always keeping our eye out and are aware of different situations that are happening elsewhere.

“Ultimately, it’s about having a clean week now leading up to what is going to be an exciting part of the season."

The former Kidderminster Harriers wide man was asked about the speculation this weekend.

He told Glasgow's Evening Times: "I signed an extension last year because I enjoy it here, I wouldn’t have signed otherwise and I’d have tried to get out.

“I love it here. We have a great set of lads and great coaching staff. It’s a fantastic club that I settled in straight away to. I feel at home here.”