Oxford United are pulling out all the stops in a bid to keep star midfielder Dean Whitehead.

They are believed to have made him an offer which effectively more than doubles last season's wages.

But the 22-year-old, from Abingdon, is understood to be unsure what to do with several tempting offers coming in from other clubs.

Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Watford, Bournemouth and Wycombe have all been linked with him, and Sunderland are understood to have also joined the race.

U's boss Graham Rix said: "We've made him a great offer.

"He's a key player to me and, fair play to the chairman, he has backed me in pulling out all the stops to try and keep him."

Oxford-born Whitehead was United's overwhelming player of the year last season, but his contract at the club ended in the summer.

Because he is under 24, Oxford are entitled to a fee if he signs for another club, and if the clubs cannot agree on a price, the fee would be decided by a tribunal.

But Rix is desperately hoping he will re-sign for the U's.

Whitehead was unavailable for comment.

Former Oxford City striker Jermaine McSporran has joined Doncaster on a free transfer after being released by Wycombe last season.