THE January transfer window may have closed a week ago today but that doesn’t mean Oxford United can’t bring in a free agent.

The U’s brought in five new faces last month, although only two of those were on permanent deals.

Centre backs Stephan Negru, 20, and Teddy Mfuni, 18, joined from Shelbourne and Warrington Town respectively but are regarded as players for the future.

Another defender, left back Brandon Fleming, arrived on loan from Hull City to provide competition for Ciaron Brown, while further forward, Ateef Konate and Tyler Smith also came in on loan from Nottingham Forest and Hull respectively.

With United struggling in Sky Bet League One, sitting 15th and eight points above the drop zone, head coach Karl Robinson may be tempted to bring in a free agent to help boost his side.

With Alex Gorrin out injured and the U’s struggling in the final third this season, midfield and attack could be areas for the club to explore in the free agent market.

READ MORE: Karl Robinson provides fitness update on injured forwards

MIDFIELDERS

Tom Carroll

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City midfielder Carroll has been without a club since his Ipswich Town contract came up in May.

The 30-year-old made 17 appearances for the Tractor Boys after joining on a one-year deal in the summer of 2021.

Having played most of his career in the Premier League and the Championship, aside from last season with Ipswich, wages could be a stumbling block for the deep-lying creative midfielder.

Dale Stephens

Like Carroll, Stephens is another player who has been without a club this season following his release from Burnley in the summer.

The 33-year-old is a more defensive-minded player compared to Carroll, but would bring great experience to the position at United.

Stephens joined Burnley from Brighton & Hove Albion on a two-year deal, after making 223 appearances for the Seagulls.

WINGERS

Izzy Brown

Still only 26, Brown’s career has never hit the heights it promised when he was seen as a hot prospect at Chelsea.

The Oxford Mail understands Brown is a player United previously had an interest in, and having been without a club since leaving Preston North End at the end of last season, the attacker may be willing to follow in the footsteps of a former teammate.

The U’s picked up Josh Murphy after leaving Cardiff City in the summer, with Murphy ending the 2021/22 season with North End on loan.

Sammy Ameobi

The younger brother of former Newcastle United striker Shola, the 30-year-old was most recently at Championship club Middlesbrough.

However, he failed to play a single minute during his sole season with the north east club due to injury.

After leaving Newcastle, Ameobi played for Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.

STRIKERS

Connor Wickham

Former Sunderland and Crystal Palace striker Wickham is a player in form, having scored nine goals in 20 appearances after signing a short-term deal with Forest Green Rovers in the summer.

However, the 29-year-old has been without a club since leaving Rovers in January.

Target man Wickham, who stands at 6ft 3in, would certainly offer United a different option up front.

Jerome Sinclair

Former U’s loanee Sinclair trained with the club in the summer, playing in pre-season friendlies.

The ex-Liverpool striker performed well for United during a loan spell from Watford during the 2019/19 season, and scored four goals in 16 appearances.

The 26-year-old’s career has taken something of a twist in recent times though, with business interests including a fried chicken restaurant in Birmingham.