KARL Robinson says Oxford United are closing in on another signing.

The U’s have announced the returns of wingers Nathan Holland and Gavin Whyte in the last 48 hours, with both players joining on season-long loans.

And United’s head coach is confident summer signing No 7 could be on the way shortly.

Match report: Oxford United concede twice late on to lose at Bristol Rovers

Speaking after today’s friendly at Bristol Rovers, Robinson said: “We’re hopefully about to do some business over the next 24 hours.

“It might be a bit longer than that, but we’re going back to the training ground now to meet someone.”

The U’s are understood to be in talks with a centre back who played in Sky Bet League One last season.

Elliott Moore, John Mousinho and Luke McNally are the only senior players in that position, with the latter still following return-to-play protocols after self-isolating.

Moore came off as a precaution after taking a knock to the calf during the 3-2 defeat at Rovers, while Mousinho is being assessed to see whether his injury was just cramp or a hamstring tweak.

Robinson also revealed Sam Long, who was among those isolating and has not featured in pre-season since July 17, should be back for next Saturday’s League One opener at Cambridge United.

The U’s boss was positive after the Rovers defeat, despite seeing his side concede two Brett Pitman goals in the final six minutes.

United looked sharp in the first half and went ahead through Steve Seddon’s first goal for the club, before Luke Thomas equalised from the penalty spot in added time.

James Henry’s strike three minutes after the restart restored the lead and a host of changes from both sides followed.

Robinson was pleased with what he saw, as United head into their final pre-season friendly against Barnet on Tuesday.

“If you watched this game for the first 60 minutes, I thought we were sensational. We were better than what I thought,” he said.

“We looked like an outstanding outfit at certain stages.

“If I had a criticism, we should have put the game out of sight.

“This is a better Bristol team than we played last year.”

He added: “I thought Sedds looked very good – I didn’t sign him to replace the goals that Ruffs (Josh Ruffels) scored, but it was nice of him to get one.”