Although Oxford United’s defence has been relatively stable this season, Karl Robinson will need to bring in reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
In the middle, Rob Atkinson, playing in his first full season in the Football League, and Elliott Moore, captain since an injury ruled John Mousinho out, have become a formidable partnership. January signing Luke McNally will also be looking to make his mark next season, leaning Robinson with three promising youngsters to choose from.
In the full-back positions, both Josh Ruffels and Sam Long have also had stellar seasons, but there is a real lack of depth for cover.
Of the back four, Ruffels is the only one out of contract in the summer, leaving the left-back position one of huge importance, particularly as there is little cover for the 27-year-old.
Although Sam Long has established himself as the first choice right back, the future of Sean Clare remains uncertain after playing in midfield while on loan at Burton. Anthony Forde, who is also out of contract in June, and Jamie Hanson have filled in for Long during his injury absences this season.
Here are five out of contract defenders that Oxford could look to sign in the summer:
Joe Rankin-Costello
One right back that is out of contract in the summer is 21-year-old Joe Rankin-Costello from Blackburn Rovers. The defender began the season promisingly but has been sidelined for much of the campaign with a recurring hamstring injury, limiting him to just 14 Championship appearances.
He is seen as one for the future at Ewood Park, meaning it may be difficult to snap him up. However, as he is out of contract in the summer, several clubs will take an interest in the youngster.
Should he sign a new deal, the U’s could look at fellow Rovers right-back Ryan Nyambe, who is also out of contract. A fully fit Rankin-Costello may be difficult to dislodge from the first team, meaning the 23-year-old, who has made 36 Championship outings this season, could be an alternative option.
James Husband
The other four suggestions are all left-backs. First up is Blackpool’s James Husband. Although the Seasiders have an option to extend the 27-year-old’s contract by a further year, he is currently out of contract in the summer.
Husband has turned out 29 times in all competitions for Neil Critchley’s side this season but has played just one minute of football in the last ten league games, raising question marks over his future.
The defender has spent the last three and half seasons in League One but does have Championship experience with five different clubs.
Reece James
Another 27-year-old is next with Doncaster Rover’s left-back, Reece James. He has made 44 appearances in all competitions and even chipped in with sevens goals and two assists.
A similar player to Ruffels, James likes to get forward down the left and can even provide cover in midfield, as he has done this season for Donny.
However, the U’s would face competition for James’ signature with former Doncaster boss Darren Moore also looking at bringing the full-back to his new club, Sheffield Wednesday.
Connor Ogilvie
The final League One left-back is Gillingham’s Connor Ogilvie. The 25-year-old has been a key figure for Steve Evans this season, making 49 appearances in all competitions, where he has added five goals and four assists.
This season, Ogilvie has missed just one league game and failed to complete a full 90 minutes on just one occasion. He can also cover in the middle, giving the U’s another option.
Evans has previously stated that the former Tottenham defender has attracted interest from Scottish Premiership sides.
Steve Seddon
Finally, we look at another left-back in Steve Seddon. The 23-year-old has made five appearances for Birmingham City since he was recalled from his loan spell at AFC Wimbledon in January, where he turned out 19 times.
Last season, the defender made 18 appearances while on loan at Portsmouth and was part of the side that was beaten by the U’s in the League One playoff semi final. Like Long, the defender can play anywhere across the back four and provides versatility to the squad.
Birmingham do have the option to extend his current deal but it seems unlikely to be activated if Lee Bowyer’s side remain in the Championship.
*Note: All contracts were due to expire at the time of writing. All contract information was gathered from Transfermarkt
