BOLSTERING Oxford United’s squad has dominated Pep Clotet’s first days as manager – and Chris Maguire has been on the agenda.

The new boss has already held two recruitment meetings since Monday to discuss what is needed.

United began the summer hoping to wrap up most of their additions by the time pre-season training began.

But Michael Appleton’s departure disrupted those plans, with only goalkeeper Scott Shearer, plus centre backs Charlie Raglan and Fiacre Kelleher signing.

There remain holes in the squad, particularly at left back and in attacking areas.

Talks with other targets had reached the final stages, but had to be put on hold while a replacement was sought.

Clotet, though, has complete faith in the club’s recruitment department and is happy to continue with their plans.

He said: “I will rely 100 per cent on what they have been doing, because I have to get myself adapted to our culture.

“I will establish a culture where we can challenge each other to see if we can do things better, but they are very open to that.

“We have had two meetings regarding that matter in the last few days and I have realised they are really good professionals.

“That’s very good because it’s very difficult to manage a team and run a recruitment department.

“To know the market in-depth requires a lot of time, as it does to manage the team.

“So I’m very delighted to have such a staff.”

One of the key targets remains Maguire, United’s top-scorer last season with a career-best 17 goals.

Appleton had a close relationship with the forward, who took two months to sign a deal last summer.

Maguire is still yet to decide his future and the 28-year-old remains an option.

“I think Chris had a performance last season which was important for the team,” Clotet said.

“Right now I’m assessing the team and we have more meetings about this matter in the coming days.

“It’s something I have to take into consideration because obviously he gave a performance and it meant something.”

Derek Fazackerley, United’s assistant head coach, believes a decision will be made shortly on the 28-year-old.

He said: “There has been contact with Chris Maguire.

“There is still more dialogue to be had with Chris – obviously him not knowing Pep – and then for Pep to be introduced to him and to sit down with his advisors and see if there is an opportunity to come back to the football club.

“That can be resolved quite quickly and in terms of a time scale I think there will be a decision made on that in the next two or three days.

“If that is a positive one then fantastic, we can hope to bring the player in and move forward.

“But there is still a little bit of work to be done.

“ We don’t know how many other clubs Chris might be talking to.

“We have made contact, we know where we both are and now it’s a conversation to be had with (chairman) Darryl (Eales) and the board, with our input and where we see Chris in the bigger picture.”