OXFORD United have taken the chance to end Sam Smith's loan from Reading early, while Tony McMahon is on the brink of leaving.

Smith was a key target for the U's during the summer, but the 20-year-old has struggled.

The striker's three goals in 23 appearances - 11 of which have been starts - have all come in the Checkatrade Trophy.

United had an option to end the season-long loan in January and have activated the clause.

McMahon has been more of a regular, but a family bereavement during the summer, plus his wife and children staying in the north east has made it difficult.

The 32-year-old is close to finalising a move closer to home.

Boss Karl Robinson said: "Sam Smith will go back to Reading.

"I feel that with the new manager it’s more important he goes back now to take stock and see whether he can go back out on loan or not.

"We’ve got the under 18s doing really well and they’re full of confidence and that might help.

"With Tony McMahon we’ve almost got a deal done, either on loan or as a permanent, we’re waiting to find out the finer details of that.

"There were some big personal issues in the summer, which people knew about.

"He's struggled geographically.

"He wants to stay here, he loves everybody and the fans have been great with him, but family comes first.

"After the difficult summer he had he’s found it difficult to settle, so we’ll be moving that on."