Oxford United are considering a late bid for Blackpool man Jordan Gabriel, as per Alan Nixon.
Oxford United will be hoping they can maintain their spot in the Championship this season.
Des Buckingham’s side were promoted via the play-offs in League One last May and are now tasked with competing and surviving in the second tier of English football.
The U’s have had a busy window so far bringing in a fair few new additions to their ranks. They have also seen a few leave, but their squad on the balance is probably stronger now than it was at Wembley and that could be considered a success.
They appear keen to strengthen further in the closing stages of the window though and Gabriel remains a big target for them.
Oxford United lodged a bid for Gabriel at the start of July, and have since kept tabs on the Blackpool defender.
Now, Nixon claims Buckingham’s side are considering a late bid for him and the Seasiders are wanting around £500,000 for it to happen.
The right time to move?
Gabriel, 25, has played in just one League One game for Blackpool so far this season.
The right sided defender has less than a year left on his current Blackpool contract and the Seasiders do risk losing him on a free next summer if they don’t sell soon.
However, whether Oxford United can get near Blackpool’s asking price is another question and one that may well become clear as the deadline edges closer.
Clubs have until 11pm on Friday night to complete signings and this deal is certainly one to watch over the coming days.
Looking forward
Oxford United currently sit slap bang in the middle of the Championship.
Buckingham’s side have won one of their first three league games, but will likely feel unfortunate that they haven’t picked up more points.
They lost to Coventry City late on the other week and fell short against them in the cup last night. Whilst both those games ended in defeat for the U’s, they were proof they can compete against one of the best sides in the division.
Up next for Oxford United is a home clash against Preston North End this Saturday.
The Lilywhites had a slow start to the season and parted company with boss Ryan Lowe after just one game. However, they have since appointed Paul Heckingbottom and he won his first league game in charge at Deepdale, beating Luton Town 1-0 last weekend.
It will be a tough game for both sides, but one where both sets of supporters will see it as a realistic opportunity to pick up more points.