Bundesliga club Holsten Kiel are planning a January move for Oxford United striker Mark Harris.

This news comes courtesy of Alan Nixon, who has also reported that Millwall took an interest in him during the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

The U’s striker has enjoyed a magnificent start to the campaign, scoring Oxford’s first goal after their return to the Championship against Norwich City.

He followed this up with a goal from close range against Coventry City to level the game, before recording a goal of the season contender against Blackburn Rovers.

Scoring three goals in his opening three league games before yesterday’s clash against Preston North End, he also got himself on the scoresheet against the Lilywhites, meeting Josh McEachran’s cross to score an important goal for his team.

Things haven’t always gone Harris’ way at the Kassam Stadium, with the Welshman not always performing well last season.

But he still managed to get on the scoresheet several times and played a big part in Des Buckingham’s side’s promotion back to the second tier.

He may not have scored in the play-offs, but he was an impressive figure and is continuing to prove his worth after his departure from Cardiff City.

It may only be a matter of time before he moves on if he can continue to shine, but the Welshman has built a real connection with his current side’s fanbase and Oxford will not want to let him go on the cheap, especially after seeing him thrive during the early stages of this term.

Mark Harris attracting interest from Millwall and Germany

German top-tier side Holsten Kiel and the U’s league rivals Millwall were both thought to be interested in a move for the striker during the latter stages of the summer window.

Both sides made an enquiry for Harris, according to Nixon, but neither side were able to get a deal over the line in time, which was a big boost for Oxford.

The German side are thought to be planning on returning for the Welshman during the January window – and Nixon hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the Lions reviving their interest then too.

Harris joined Oxford on a long-term deal last summer though, so any team that wants to recruit him will need to fork out a considerable amount for his signature.

Oxford United would need a replacement for Mark Harris if he leaves

Dane Scarlett may have come in, but their striker department is probably the weakest aspect of their team at the moment.

Scarlett hasn’t managed to establish himself as a real asset at this level yet and Will Goodwin is yet to play at this level at all.

With this in mind, Oxford could struggle if Harris sustains an injury.

That would be a major shame for them, because they have made an excellent start to the season, both in terms of results and performances.

If Harris leaves, bringing in two strikers may be a good idea, but Oxford surely won’t let him go unless a club is willing to bid a ridiculous amount for him.