Michael Appleton is expecting to add firepower to his squad today after Oxford United ran out of time to complete a signing before last night’s friendly with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The news offered some cheer to the head coach, who was unhappy with his side’s performance in the 4-0 defeat to the Seagulls at the Kassam Stadium.

United struggled against the Sky Bet Championship side, who created a host of chances.

By contrast, a Chey Dunkley header in the first half was the only effort on target all night for Appleton’s men.

A loan deal for an attacking player, which the U’s almost got over the line before kick-off, is due to be finalised today, while the move for a goalscorer who will command a transfer fee is not far behind.

Appleton said: “We are in negotiations with two players and their representatives.

“There was talk one might even get done before the game.

“I’m expecting one to be done (today) and hopefully the second one will be done by Thursday.”

There were rumours last night Lyle Taylor was watching from an executive box at the Kassam, but Appleton said the AFC Wimbledon forward was not one of the two targets.

Putting the need for new faces to one side, the U’s boss was unhappy with his team’s display against Brighton.

While Appleton described Brighton as “excellent”, he was critical of United’s work rate as they build towards the start of the League One season in 11 days’ time.

“I’ve not had a go at the players for this in probably 16 months, but there wasn’t the desire there to win a game of football that I have come to expect from them, regardless of whether it was a pre-season game or not,” he said.

“We weren’t competitive enough and didn’t get around them.

“I don’t want to be saying that on August 6, but we have got an opportunity to try and put it right.”

U’s skipper John Lundstram echoed the thoughts.

He said: “I think all over the pitch we could have played quicker and I don’t think we got close enough to them.

“I think they worked a little bit harder. The only benefit is there weren’t any points to play for.”