Oxford United are beginning their League One planning with reports suggesting they are preparing talks to sign attacking midfielder Tommi O’Reilly.
The U’s were relegated from the Championship at the weekend after West Bromwich Albion‘s draw with Ipswich Town guaranteed that Matt Bloomfield’s side could not overtake the Baggies with two games remaining.
United Face Competition For Talent
With a big summer ahead for the Kassam Stadium side as they return to League One after two seasons, sights are already being set on some crucial targets over the summer, with the club already identifying one potential move.
According to Alan Nixon through his Patreon channel, Oxford are prepared to make a bid for Aston Villa youngster Tommi O’Reilly, who has been a key cog in a Crewe Alexandra side which has fallen short in the chase for the playoffs.
In his breakout loan spell after tenures at both MK Dons and Shrewsbury Town in the EFL, the 22-year-old has been the Railwaymen’s leading creative force with 11 assists and seven goals across 45 appearances in the fourth tier.
His efforts, which also saw assists in the EFL Trophy and FA Cup, earned him both the Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year awards at the Cheshire club, ahead of their final game of the season against Cambridge United.
However, Oxford are not alone in pursuing O’Reilly, with Portsmouth also interested in striking a deal for the versatile attacking midfielder who is under contract at Villa Park until 2028.
Donley Replacement Lined Up?
Matt Bloomfield looks set to continue on at Oxford United despite their relegation this season, and now the former Luton Town boss faces a big test to restructure his side ahead of a campaign where they should be able to challenge for promotion immediately.
However, his biggest test over the window will be trying to replace his creative outlets and find a new goalscorer with the Tottenham Hotspur duo of Will Lankshear and Jamie Donley both set to head back to North London come the end of the season.
With Donley in particular having a tough campaign while in the Championship, moving on and finding another loanee to come in could be the best path forward, and given his output this season, Tommi O’Reilly is an ideal replacement.
His versatility as both a 10 and a right winger will be alluring, and his efforts for Crewe has rightfully earned him a Player of the Season accolade and a move into a higher division given the Railwaymen’s failure to achieve a playoff place.
While Portsmouth may prove to be a thorn in those plans to sign the 22-year-old, game time may be the crucial factor when Aston Villa choose to send their prospect out, and Oxford are definitely better placed to deliver that.
