Back in January, Oxford United had targeted Kilmarnock defender Stephen O’Donnell as a transfer option.
Now, with the 28-year-old out of contract in the summer, should the U’s continue with their interest and make a move for the free agent or should they look elsewhere?
According to reports by the Daily Record last month, O’Donnell had opted to depart in the summer as a result of interest. He suggested that his decision was already made before Angelo Alessio was sacked in December, but it was harder to stick to that when Alex Dyer took over.
Then last month, the Scotland international rejected a new deal with the side. Speaking to the Scottish newspaper, O’Donnell said: “I would love to have a crack at the Championship down in England.
“I had an opportunity to go down to League One in January, but I just didn’t feel the timing was right. But if I feel the opportunity is the right one down there I would go there as well.
“I am leaving all my options open, I just want to make sure it’s the right move for me professionally and personally.”
The 28-year-old has been a key figure in his three years at the club. The former Luton Town man has made 122 appearances for the Scottish Premiership side and has scored three times and provided three assists from 28 Scottish Premiership games this season. During his time at the club, Kilmarnock have twice set a club record total of points.
Capped 11 times by Scotland, the defender will be hoping to establish himself as a regular in Steve Clarke’s side. At Oxford, whether in League One or the Championship, it is highly likely that he would be Karl Robinson’s first-choice right-back.
