Oxford United are set to off-load full-back Tony McMahon, despite Karl Robinson having a depleted squad.
The 33-year-old, who still has one year remaining on his current deal, still wants to play his football closer to home in the North East.
Despite missing the start of pre-season, the right-back has featured in a couple of the U’s friendlies, including the 3-0 defeat at Eastleigh.
U’s boss Karl Robinson felt there was no harm in keeping the defender during pre-season, and despite saying he’s still available for a move, he’s been impressed with his performances.
Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “He’s in the shop window, but he’s with us while he’s in that shop window. He went home after Eastleigh to his kids and it’s a long way from the north east.
“But he wanted to play. If that is here you’ve got to play for your place and fall into life in Oxfordshire, or if it’s not, you’ve got to get yourself fit enough to earn a contract somewhere else”
The youthful U’s side lost heavily to the National League outfit, but Robinson was encouraged to see how his youngsters handled the test.
He added: “As young players they struggle with the mentality and it’s a great thing for me because I’m thinking ‘let’s see how they digs themselves out of this”
A move would be good for both parties, but given the lack of depth in Robinson’s squad, if a move fails to materialise, the experienced defender could become an integral part of the team.
Defensively, the U’s lack experience and following the departure of Curtis Nelson, Robinson is short of centre back’s.
This, along with the addition of a striker or two, is an area that needs reinforcements.
