RYAN Ledson is one of a dozen promising youngsters Oxford United are monitoring, and Michael Appleton is not ruling out a move for the Everton midfielder before the transfer window shuts.

The head coach was not surprised this week to see the U’s linked with the 19-year-old, who is reportedly available to leave Goodison Park by August 31.

Appleton has long been an admirer of the former England under 19 international, who spent most of last season on loan at Cambridge United.

But the head coach also revealed Ledson was among a group of highly-rated youngsters the U’s were keeping tabs on.

He said: “I certainly wouldn’t rule anything out, but it’s not something I would say I’m really confident about.

“If anything like that happens with any of those type of players then I think everybody knows we’re prepared to give them a chance.”

He added: “I think a lot of people know I’m a fan of Ryan’s, and a lot of other very good young England players.

“Some of the top Premier League clubs have some very good young players, and he’s one of probably a dozen we’ve been monitoring for at least 15 months.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we get linked to at least two or three more before the window shuts, but bringing one in is going to be difficult.”

Some would question whether an extra midfielder is required for a squad which is in need of pace in wide areas.

A winger remains the priority, but Appleton hinted they were looking at Ledson to give the option of playing a different system – presumably with three in the middle of the park.

He said: “What we want to do is make sure we can bring in a couple of players, if we can, for us to play slightly differently.

“That’s the idea behind some of the players we’re looking at.”