OXFORD United have ended their interest in signing Marvin Johnson after Motherwell turned down an improved bid.

The highly-rated 25-year-old has scored in his last four appearances and was on target again in Saturday's 2-1 win at Kilmarnock.

Last week Motherwell boss Mark McGhee said he would be "amazed" if a club at United's level could afford Johnson.

The Scottish Premier League club are thought to be looking for at least £1m for Johnson.

United's latest offer was rumoured to be around £300,000 and with the two clubs clearly a long way apart, negotiations have ended.

Head coach Michael Appleton said: "We made what we thought was a very, very good offer.

"They think it’s short of their valuation, so as far as we’re concerned it’s dead."

Meanwhile, United are not expected to make any rushed loan signings before tomorrow night's EFL Cup trip to Birmingham City.

They are short of defensive cover, but are likely to wait until later this week, by which time more should be known about the injuries to Christian Ribeiro, Chey Dunkley and Aaron Martin.