A central defender has become Oxford United manager Karl Robinson’s priority in this transfer window.
The U’s lost club captain John Mousinho to a knee injury last Tuesday against Watford, and while he still needs to bring in cover for the injured Josh Ruffels at left-back, the central position has become a priority.
Mousinho is due to see a specialist later today to assess the damage after an initial scan failed to show the full extent.
But, as a result, the 34-year-old could miss the first half of the season. With that in mind, cover is needed at the club.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Robinson said: “It wasn’t great news (on Mousinho), but we’re not going to commit publicly on what we think it is.
“We want a second opinion on that, but as we sit right now it’s not what we wanted. I think a centre back is more of a priority than a left-back right now.”
If Mousinho is to miss the first half of the season, then the club wouldn’t register him as a player. As a result, the defender would not count towards the salary cap – freeing up wages and a senior position in the squad.
Robinson hasn’t revealed any transfer targets, but you would feel it would be someone with experience, given the amount of youth in defence.
