RYAN Ledson is due to train with Oxford United this morning, with boss Pep Clotet confident the midfielder will remain professional amid interest from Preston North End.

The 20-year-old is a target for the Sky Bet Championship club, with manager Alex Neil travelling to London last week to watch him play against Charlton Athletic.

Clotet was unable to verify reports a £750,000 bid had been lodged, but did admit after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Walsall – a game Ledson missed through a reported injury – there was interest.

United’s resolve could be tested if it rises to seven figures, but the manager will fight to keep his key players.

“The club told me there has been some interest from some clubs, but that’s it as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

“As always my position is very clear – the players have contracts and we gave the opportunities to these players to market themselves and start a career in the lea- gues.

“They came for that reason and I’m sure when they came they respect they want to finish seasons and not leave in the middle.

“We already sold two players in the summer, both of them – especially Marvin – were for a proper amount of money.

“Lego is very professional and is very committed to Oxford.

“I have no doubt about his professionalism. There’s nothing else to add.

“I would be very surprised if he was not professional.”

Ledson was left out of the squad on Saturday with United reporting he was suffering from a knee problem.

Given the context of Preston’s interest, many were sceptical about the issue, which Clotet understood.

He said: “It’s normal, speculation always comes because it’s the first thing that pops into your mind.

“I try to do things right and as soon as Lego said he had a little bit of a problem with his knee I ordered a scan.

“He had it on Friday and it showed inflammation.

“The doctor gave him strong anti-inflammatories and he should be all right to train on Monday.”