KARL Robinson is targeting at least seven new signings for Oxford United this summer.

The U’s head coach is confident he can bring in ‘three or four’ new faces ahead of the start of the Sky Bet League One season on Saturday, August 7, plus four more before the transfer window closes on August 31.

United have already paid an undisclosed fee for midfielder Marcus McGuane, while Portsmouth winger Ryan Williams has been heavily linked with a return to the Kassam Stadium over the last few days.

Robinson revealed last weekend he wants four attacking wide players and a left back, with Josh Ruffels thought to be close to agreeing a deal to join Huddersfield Town when his U’s contract expires on June 30.

Read also: Oxford United boss will have bigger transfer budget this summer

The United boss will be armed with an increased transfer budget for the summer window and expects to get more business done soon.

Robinson told BBC Oxford: “I try to get a lot of things done early, we always do as managers.

“I’d like to think we can get three or four in easily before we start the season and then there will probably be another four coming in on top of that.

“Then you’re depending on the players that you lose.”

United have 18 members of their 2020/21 first-team squad under contract for next season, plus youngsters Derick Osei, Slavi Spasov and Michael Elechi.

Meanwhile, Anthony Forde, Leon Chambers-Parillon and Kyran Lofthouse have been offered new deals, along with Ruffels.

It is a healthy number at this stage of the summer, but there are obvious holes in the squad.

Joel Cooper is currently United’s only winger, while there will be no recognised left back if Ruffels leaves.

Karl Robinson: It's evident Oxford United need a new left back amid Josh Ruffels speculation

The defender is not the only U’s player attracting interest, with Rob Atkinson and Mark Sykes thought to be targets for Bristol City and Ipswich Town respectively.

One area where United are well-stocked is midfield, where they can call on McGuane, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Mark Sykes, Alex Gorrin, Jamie Hanson and Sean Clare.

But Robinson still suggested reinforcements may be needed in the centre of the pitch and up front.

He added: “I think we need more power in the middle of the park.

“If Sam Winnall stays fit he’s as good as it gets, but that’s the question: does he stay fit through pre-season?

“The Rob Atkinson and Cameron Brannagan thing (rumours) will always come up.”

How United's squad is shaping up:

  • Goalkeepers: Simon Eastwood, Jack Stevens.
  • Defenders: Rob Atkinson, Michael Elechi, Sam Long, Luke McNally, Elliott Moore, John Mousinho.
  • Midfielders: Cameron Brannagan, Sean Clare, Alex Gorrin, Jamie Hanson, James Henry, Marcus McGuane, Mark Sykes.
  • Forwards: Dan Agyei, Joel Cooper, Derick Osei, Slavi Spasov, Matty Taylor, Sam Winnall.
  • Offered contracts: Leon Chambers-Parillon, Anthony Forde, Kyran Lofthouse, Josh Ruffels.