Oxford United striker Mark Harris was the subject of late interest from Millwall and Holsten Kiel on deadline day, as per The Sun.
Oxford United have found more joy upon their rise to the Championship than many had tipped them for.
While two wins and two defeats from four games isn’t an electric start, the two losses were close ones against strong teams in Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers. The U’s got back on track with a 3-1 triumph over Preston North End on Saturday.
A big part of this good start has been talisman Mark Harris. After 19 goals and five assists last season, the former Cardiff City man has netted four goals in four Championship games thus far.
Such form has not gone unnoticed, and Oxford United had to resist late interest in his services.
According to The Sun, Championship rivals Millwall made a surprise late enquiry regarding Harris. Most notably though. Bundesliga side Holsten Kiel made a bid for the 25-year-old late on, but they couldn’t strike a deal before the 11pm deadline.
The Yellows standout remains on the radar of the German club though, so it will be interesting if they try to go back in for him in the January transfer window.
Keeping hold of Harris
Losing Harris late on in the summer transfer window would have been a real blow for Oxford United. It’s no wonder they stood firm amid interest, as landing a replacement at the death would have been a big ask.
Things have really come together for him at the Kassam Stadium. He’s one of their most important players and is probably up there with their biggest financial assets too given how he has kicked on over the last year.
His time with long-term club Cardiff City wasn’t particularly prolific, nor were spells at Newport County or Wrexham on loan.
However, at Oxford United, things have really come together. Harris has proven he can be a dangerous striker in the Championship after starring in League One, so perhaps it’s no surprise that the likes of Millwall and Kiel have been alerted.
Looking forward
The summer was a busy one for Oxford United as manager Des Buckingham sought to build a squad capable of staying up.
The only big asset to move on was winger Josh Murphy, opting to head for Portsmouth over penning a new deal at the Kassam Stadium. Marcus McGuane also joined Bristol City, but with the midfield signings made, his exit doesn’t sting quite so much.
Jamie Cumming, Matt Ingram, Ben Nelson (loan), Hidde ter Avest, Peter Kioso, Will Vaulks, Louie Sibley, Idris El Mizouni, Marselino Ferdinan, Siriki Dembele, Przemyslaw Placheta, Malcom Ebiowei (loan), Matt Phillips and Dane Scarlett (loan) all came through the doors over the course of the summer.