FOUR signings, two exits, and a handful of loan recalls – it’s been a far from quiet January window for Oxford United this year.

With deadline day now underway, we had a look at the story so far this month, and where it leads the U’s as they look to wrap up their final bits of business.

The first bit of activity came early on in the window, with Sonny Perkins recalled by Leeds United on January 3.

Perkins’ loan spell with the U’s failed to work out, with the striker playing just six times in all competitions. He played five minutes of league football, and it was no surprise when his loan spell was cut short.

READ AGAIN: Sonny Perkins recalled as Oxford United close in on new striker

The next day, United head coach Des Buckingham said the club was ‘close to a couple of new faces’ coming in, with one of them understood to be a striker.

In the aftermath of the Emirates FA Cup defeat at Coventry City, speculation was rife that James Beadle and Elliott Moore were heading for the U’s exit door, while Buckingham said he was waiting for a ‘domino effect’ in the window.

Despite rumours at the time linking United with Chesterfield winger Armando Dobra and Luton Town striker Joe Taylor, the Oxford Mail understood those players were not at the top end of United’s shortlist.

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January 8 saw three players recalled by their parent clubs. Beadle returned to Brighton & Hove Albion, ahead of an immediate loan switch to Sheffield Wednesday in the second tier. Beadle played 28 games for United, keeping nine clean sheets, while also impressing with the ball at his feet.

Wingers Kyle Edwards and Stan Mills were recalled by Ipswich Town and Everton respectively, with the latter suffering a ruptured patella against Coventry.

Following the three loan recalls, Buckingham stated that the U’s could sign up to six new players within the January window.

READ AGAIN: Oxford United could sign six new players during January window

The first signing arrived on January 10, when former Millwall winger Tyler Burey joined on loan from Danish side Odense. Burey was a transfer target in the summer, when he left Millwall, but later opted to sign for Odense.

A second signing followed the next day, as Chelsea goalkeeper Jamie Cumming joined on loan until the end of the season.

The following day came the only permanent exit of the window for United, when Alex Gorrin left for Sky Bet League Two strugglers Forest Green Rovers.

His short-term contract with the U’s was close to expiring, and although two serious knee injuries disrupted the latter part of his time with the club, Gorrin was a key player when he first joined.

The defensive midfielder played 44 times, including starts in the League One play-off semi-finals and final during the 2019/20 campaign. In total, he made 118 appearances for United.

On January 16, Edwards signed a deal with the U’s until the end of the season, after his Ipswich contract had previously been terminated by mutual consent.

In the lead up to the home clash against Northampton Town (which was then postponed), Buckingham dismissed a bizarre rumour which linked midfielder Marcus McGuane with a move to Polish side Legia Warsaw.

READ AGAIN: Des Buckingham dismisses bizarre Marcus McGuane rumour

The capture of Cheltenham Town striker Will Goodwin was announced on January 19, with the figure paid understood to be roughly £400,000. A minor quad injury means Goodwin has yet to make his U’s debut, although the trip to Blackpool on February 10 has been earmarked as when he will feature for the first time.

On January 22, Buckingham stated that he was after more attacking players in the remainder of the window, reiterating that after the home defeat to Barnsley, when he said a striker and a right winger were the club’s key targets.

An exit followed on January 24, when Ed McGinty returned to his former club Sligo Rovers, on loan until the end of the season.

Speaking at his press conference prior to the trip to Bristol Rovers last weekend, Buckingham said a central midfielder was not a priority this window, and that more attacking options were the main objective.

READ AGAIN: Des Buckingham on whether U’s looking for midfielder in transfer window

This week, prior to the 2-2 draw at home to Portsmouth, Buckingham said the club remained after their first choice attacking targets, and that players would not be chased for the sake of it.

At the Pompey game, Blackpool winger Owen Dale was spotted watching from the stands, and then in the tunnel at full-time.

He appears to be close to signing on a permanent basis for United, while Buckingham also addressed whether McGinty could be recalled following the injury suffered by Cumming on Tuesday night.

And that leads us to where the U’s are as they head into deadline day. The club has until 11pm tonight, to finalise any business, with two attacking options (possibly including Dale) likely to be sought.