OXFORD United are pushing hard to add to their squad, but boss Pep Clotet has his doubts over whether they can get a deal over the line before the start of the season.

The Sky Bet League One campaign kicks off for the U’s at Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

In a busy summer, they have so far clinched nine signings and are chasing another couple this month.

United believe they are close to one signing, but Clotet is unsure whether it will drop before the trip to Boundary Park.

He said: “I don’t know if it will be before the weekend.

“We are considering a couple of additions that I think would be good for the squad because obviously we know we are lacking in a position.

“We are working very hard and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make things happen, but it’s not always easy – it’s not always up to us.”

Left back remains the most obvious area in need of strengthening and United are understood to be interested in taking Brentford’s Tom Field, 20, on loan.

But Clotet is mindful the transfer window remains open until the end of August – and even raised the possibility of waiting beyond that deadline if they could not find the correct target.

He said: “If the right player doesn’t come across it’s not even about the end of the month.

“We are trying to build something here sustainably with the players we need for the medium and long-term.

“Some opportunities in this transfer window have come and we’ve taken them.

“Otherwise we’ll work hard with the squad and you can keep looking.”

There are five players who have joined the squad on trial during pre-season.

Clotet is weighing up Furdjel Narsingh, Raheem Hanley, Josh Smile, Sam Shaban and Leandro Cobas-Ladrero, but is likely to begin making decisions in the next few days.

Also on the agenda later this month will be whether any players on the fringes of the first team would benefit from a temporary spell elsewhere.

United’s manager said: “We will see if there can be loans.

“We will take a good look at the squad once everyone is in place to see if someone should go on loan.

“But it’s not something I consider at this stage.”