WE are a week away from transfer deadline day and Oxford United are still working hard to get deals over the line.

The U’s are yet to make their first signing of the January window, but some exciting names have been linked with a move to the Kassam Stadium.

Here are the three positions we feel United most need to strengthen in the next seven days.

STRIKER

The outlook up front seems brighter following the weekend victory over Sheffield Wednesday, when Sam Winnall opened his account for the campaign.

Karl Robinson and Matty Taylor have both mentioned how well the 31-year-old is training and there is no reason why he cannot repeat his form from the end of last season, when he scored six goals from February onwards.

For Winnall, the issue is staying fit, while Dan Agyei has been unable to build on his strong finish to 2020/21.

The noises surrounding United’s transfer business show they are looking for another striker to complement or compete with Taylor.

The U’s are in the race to sign former England striker Jermain Defoe, while they reportedly enquired about Ipswich Town striker James Norwood – although it looks like he is staying put.

United are also linked with Cole Stockton, however the Morecambe marksman is not thought to be top of the list.

Oxford Mail:

Jermain Defoe Picture: Jeff Holmes/PA Wire

LEFT BACK

The U’s weighed up a move in this position last summer, but Robinson felt they had enough players to cover Steve Seddon.

That is still the case to a certain extent with Anthony Forde and Sam Long able to fill in, even with Jamie Hanson injured and Jordan Thorniley seemingly set to be recalled by Blackpool.

But the potential departure of Thorniley makes recruiting a left-footed defender extra important, so one who could operate at left back and centre back would be ideal.

Seddon has racked up comfortably more Sky Bet League One minutes than anyone else in a United shirt, playing the full 90 in all 26 games he has been available.

The left back's stamina lends itself to this, but there is always the danger of injury or suspension and a versatile reinforcement in that position would be a solid move.

Oxford Mail:

Jordan Thorniley Picture: Richard Parkes

CENTRE BACK

The final choice was a toss up between centre back and holding midfield.

There is a strong argument for the latter, with Herbie Kane United’s only natural player in that position in the absence of Alex Gorrin and Hanson.

But assuming Thorniley is returning to Blackpool, a new centre back is surely more pressing.

Most United fans seem pretty happy with a partnership of Elliott Moore and Luke McNally, but the next options are Long – leaving the right-back slot open – and John Mousinho, who is moving more towards a coaching role.

The U’s were linked with former transfer target Stuart Findlay, 26, at the start of the window and he ticks a lot of boxes, other than arguably resale value.