MICHAEL Appleton is hoping his first Oxford United signing could be completed before Saturday's opening pre-season game at Farnborough.

The head coach has been busy searching for players to improve the squad since taking over on Monday.

So far this summer, only Danny Hylton has arrived at the club, but productive discussions were held with two targets yesterday.

While Appleton, 38, could not guarantee anything would be sealed before Saturday, there is every chance multiple signings could arrive within the next few days.

He said: "I don't think we're a million miles away.

"Regardless of my age I'm probably too experienced to get carried away, but yesterday especially I had two very positive talks with players and agents."

He added: "There's an opportunity that certainly one might be in before the weekend, but the likelihood is by the start of next week instead of it just being one it might be two or three."