Michael Appleton believes it is highly unlikely Oxford United will add to their squad before the start of the season.

But the U’s boss has hinted there could be movement in and out before the transfer window shuts at the end of next month.

The club went into the summer with the intention of getting their business done early – and they have been true to their word.

Liam Sercombe, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Taylor, Sam Slocombe and George Baldock were signed on to strengthen the squad in time for the first pre-season training session.

As far as Appleton is concerned, the existing group will be unchanged for the Sky Bet League Two opener at home to Crawley Town in 11 days’ time.

He said: “I would be absolutely delighted if something came up and we could do it, but I would be amazed if we did anything before the Crawley game.

“Again though, that’s on August 8 and the window doesn’t shut until the end of the month, so who knows.”

The market often changes rapidly between the season starting and the window shutting, as players realise they are out of their manager’s plans.

It could provide an opportunity for the U’s, although Appleton acknowledged the activity could be in both directions.

“We can’t keep everybody happy,” he said. “We’ve got 22 players plus the young boys, so it’s a small squad.

“But if players find themselves out of that starting XI and think they should be in it for whatever reason then we’ll make that decision as and when.”

Although nothing is imminent, the intensity of the search for players to improve the side has not dropped, according to chief executive Mark Ashton.

He said: “We’re tracking players who may be available in January and next summer.

“The work for next summer is going on, but we’re also looking at now.

“There’s always room. We have a budget we stick to, but we’re entrepreneurial enough to look at everything on its merits.”

The players who did not start Saturday’s 2-0 win at Eastleigh will be in action at Thame United tonight (7.30).

The squad is set to include the likes of Michael Collins, James Roberts, Chey Dunkley and Max Crocombe, who will be looking to catch the eye ahead of the final pre-season friendly, against Coventry City at Nuneaton on Saturday.

Oxford United are holding an open training session for supporters next Monday (10am).

They will be able to watch the players train for the first time on the new playing surface at the Kassam Stadium and have pictures taken with the squad.

It will also be used as a trial run for the new ticket scanning system, which has been installed at the turnstiles.