Oxford United have identified Brighton’s Alex Cochrane & Eastleigh’s Joe Tomlinson as potential replacements for Josh Ruffels, according to BBC Radio Oxford.
Ruffels is out of contract in the summer and contract talks have been ongoing for some time, with the 27-year-old seemingly awaiting a better deal.
Now, BBC Radio Oxford have confirmed that U’s boss Karl Robinson is looking to keep Ruffels at Grenoble Road, but has identified two potential replacements should he depart, with Nottingham Forest one of several interested clubs.
Cochrane is a 21-year-old left-back who is currently on loan at Belgian club Union SG from Brighton. The England U20 international has made two senior appearances for the Seagulls and is under contract until June 2022.
Like Cochrane, Tomlinson began his career at the AMEX Stadium but signed for National League side Eastleigh from Hungerford Town last summer. In 40 league appearances for the Spitfires, the left-back has scored 11 goals, with eight coming from the penalty spot.
The 20-year-old also has made over 100 appearances at non-league level and has shown great promise. He is out of contract in the summer.
