OXFORD United are optimistic at least one player will sign before the loan window closes next week.

After Wednesday, clubs will be unable to change their squads until the transfer window opens in January.

While United are in great form, head coach Michael Appleton is keen to strengthen for a period when his side have at least seven games before the new year.

He said: “Most definitely, the reality is once the window shuts there’s a four or five week period where if we do pick up one or two injuries, as good as it feels now, very quickly it can be different.”

An interest remains in winger Jordan Graham, who impressed before his loan at United was cut short by parent club Wolves last month.

It is not yet known if a deal is possible, although Molineux boss Kenny Jackett has been quoted this week as saying the 20-year-old was in firstteam contention, which if correct would appear to scupper hopes of a return.

Appleton said: “We won’t really know until after the weekend.

“I think Wolves are going to make a decision with him and rightly so “But the way things are I wouldn’t be surprised if he played for them at some point in the next week.”

The U’s boss also suggested if Jake Wright’s back injury does not show signs of improvement by next week it could prompt them to look for an extra defensive option.