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Oxford Could Miss Out On West Ham Winger

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Oxford United could miss out on West Ham United winger Marcus Browne as the youngster looks set to join Middlesbrough, according to Pete O’Rourke at The Football Insider.

A close source told the reliable news outlet that the 21-year-old was heading to the northeast to undergo a medical for the Championship side.

It would be a blow for Oxford, particularly after their winger was spotted at the Kassam Stadium during Tuesday nights 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Following the match, U’s boss Karl Robinson addressed the speculation and told The Oxford Mail: “The chairman has openly said to me ‘whatever it costs, we’ll buy him’. But if Marcus Browne was available, we won’t be the only club in for him.”

Browne, who came through the ranks at West Ham, had a successful loan spell with The U’s, scoring nine goals and making five assists during his time in League One.

But as Robinson said, the tricky winger would attract plenty of interest, and it appears that Boro are favourites to sign the talented youngster.

The question that needs to be asked is; do Oxford need him? He had a successful loan spell admittedly, but following the arrival of Tariqe Fosu, the impressive form of Gavin Whyte and the return from injury of Rob Hall, does Robinson need more wingers?

Chris Cadden, who made his debut at right-back against Fulham following his arrival from Motherwell via Columbus Crew, could also play on the width of midfield, leaving the U’s boss with plenty of options.

The area Robinson needs to focus all of his attention is a striker and a solid centre back. 33-year-old Jamie Mackie is the clubs only natural striker, and following the departure of Curtis Nelson, the U’s are in need of defensive reinforcements.

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