OXFORD United are gearing up for one more push in the transfer market before the window shuts tonight.

Caretaker boss Derek Fazackerley and the U’s recruitment team are believed to be chasing targets for more than one position before the 11pm deadline.

Permanent deals involving a fee are thought to be a possibility, in addition to loan moves.

The most intriguing rumour was over a shock loan return for Marvin Johnson, who left on deadline day in August for a deal worth about £2.5million but has since fallen down the pecking order at Middlesbrough.

FIFA rules prevent anyone playing for three clubs in a season, so after featuring for the U’s in August a return would be his only possible destination, but the Oxford Mail understands talk that a deal was close to being completed is wide of the mark.

And after surviving for 30 days without losing a key contracted player, they will be hoping to get through the final few hours unscathed.

The biggest concerns are over goalkeeper Simon Eastwood and midfielder Ryan Ledson, who have had bids turned down by United from Barnsley and Preston North End respectively.

Two players did leave the squad yesterday.

Charlie Raglan dropped into Sky Bet League Two with Port Vale in a loan move for the rest of the season, while Xemi departed by mutual consent.

Raglan’s exit caused the bigger reaction from supporters, who felt the 24-year-old had a role to play despite United having five fit centre halves.

Signed on a two-year deal last summer after impressing on loan, the centre back suffered a serious ankle injury on the eve of the campaign.

Despite being in full training for several weeks, he was not given a chance in the side until after Pep Clotet was sacked – in last week’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea Under 21s.

Xemi’s departure comes seven months into a three-year contract, but despite scoring on both his first appearance and league debut, the midfielder struggled to make an impact.

The last of his eight starts in all competitions came in the 7-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic before Christmas, where he was substituted at half-time.

He said: “It hasn’t worked out here and I’m sad to be leaving because it is a fantastic club.”