KARL Robinson says Oxford United will continue to aim high in their attempts to bring in new faces this week after missing out on two former Premier League players.

Free agents Wes Hoolahan and Youssouf Mulumbu have turned down the chance to join the U’s in the past few days.

Robinson is looking to recruit a midfielder and an attacking player, admitting on Tuesday night he would like that role to be filled by a striker.

Clubs have until 5pm tomorrow to bring in loan players, but given United already have six players on temporary deals – one more than the maximum permitted in a matchday squad – free agents, who can be signed at any time, are preferred.

Robinson revealed an interest in former Republic of Ireland international Hoolahan on Saturday, while Mulumbu, who spent six years at West Bromwich Albion, has been linked with Swansea City after his release from Kilmarnock.

While missing out on the pair is a blow for the U’s, the head coach felt it came with the territory with the calibre of players they were looking to bring in.

He said: “I still think we’re short in certain areas, but that’s something we’re trying to rectify.

“We were talking to Youssouf Mulumbu, who we tried to get done, but something came up for him that was quite a big challenge.

“So unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but you can see the type of players we’ve been speaking to and getting down the road with.

“There’s some very talented players we’re speaking to.

“The problem is at the top end of the scale there’s a high probability they (deals) won’t come off. But we have to aim high.”

He added: “We spoke to Wes on Tuesday and there are other things in the pipeline for him.”

Robinson remains hopeful of tying up at least one deal before the weekend.

There is also the possibility of up to two U’s players leaving on loan in the next 48 hours to get more game time.

But it is understood the potential additions are not dependent on outgoing moves before they can be completed.

If United take it down to deadline day tomorrow, their ability to clinch deals will have the added complexity that Robinson and the squad will be travelling to the north-east ahead of Saturday’s game at the Stadium of Light.

The U’s boss said: “It is a little bit (complicated), but you have to take it on the chin and you can’t get away from the fixture list.”