HEAD coach Michael Appleton says he expects one new face to come through the door at Oxford United today.

The U's are busy negotiating and while they have until 11pm tonight to tie up any loose ends, Appleton also has one eye on the loan window, which opens next Tuesday.

However, he is confident of signing at least one player today, boosting United ahead of tomorrow's Johnstone's Paint Trophy area final second leg against Millwall.

Appleton said: "I certainly expect one to be done today.

"I am reasonably confident and if we get that one done today then obviously we are certainly not going to rush to do two or three.

"I think it will be more if we get this one today, the window opens next week and we will want one more then, possibly two."

Appleton added: "I am always excited.

"We try as best as possible to bring in people who we feel can affect the eleven and knocking on the door consistently.

"If we get this one over the line that we are trying to do today then he would certainly be in contention for the starting line-up tomorrow and if he doesn’t I am sure you will see him at some point on the field of play."

However, one player who may not become a United player in the next few hours is Chris Maguire, who is still negotiating with parent club Rotherham United.

When asked if Maguire would be returning to the Kassam Stadium this afternoon, Appleton said: "I would be surprised.

"If it does happen then fantastic, but it is frustrating because it is completely and utterly out of our control and it is up to Chris and Rotherham over the remainder of his contract.

"Obviously the window opens again next week and it may come around again as a loan deal, but the suggestions we are getting so far is that Rotherham are not keen on a loan deal.

"Whether it happens or not we have to leave it to Chris and his advisors and if they can come up with a solution then great and if not we move on."