EFL owner drops Lisbie transfer hint as Oxford United circle

Lisbie has been the subject of plenty of interest from League One clubs having previously met with Oxford over a potential deal.

It was revealed earlier this week that Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town have entered the race for the Colchester United forward, with Reading having dropped out of the hunt not long ago.

Matt Bloomfield’s U’s are yet to secure a first signing of the summer transfer window which opened on Monday.

Former Brentford B youngster Lisbie had a breakout season in League Two last term, scoring 11 times and assisting eight in all competitions.

His twin brother, Kyrell, currently plays for Peterborough, but the club’s chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, has confirmed that the Kyreece will not be joining his brother at the Posh.

Colchester United’s Kyreece Lisbie celebrates (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

When asked on X whether Kyreece would be going to Peterborough, MacAnthony replied: “No chance. Too expensive. Wages wise been offered by massive clubs for our cap, and now bigger clubs in. That’s football. Move on and next!”

The news means that competition for Lisbie’s signature has decreased slightly.

It was reported by Football League World that Wednesday were in the hunt, however the Posh owner has hinted at the contrary.

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When one Owls fan asked if Lisbie would be heading to Sheffield, MacAnthony replied: “No, buddy.”

If true, that would leave Huddersfield and Oxford as the two main clubs named in reports as contenders for the 22-year-old’s services.

Colchester United’s Kyreece Lisbie celebrates after the Sky Bet League Two match at Blundell Park, Cleethorpes (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

Reports from the Reading Chronicle have stated that the fee required for Lisbie is in the region of £500,000 to £750,000 with the Colchester man entering the final year of his contract in Essex.

The English forward, who is the son of former Premier League and EFL striker Kevin Lisbie, helped Danny Cowley’s side to a 12th-placed finish in League Two last year.

Oxford will be looking to improve their forward line for next season after the big loss of top goal scorer Will Lankshear to parent club Tottenham Hotspur.

The U’s currently have Stan Mills as their only traditional right midfielder meaning the addition of Lisbie would provide some healthy depth and competition if the club is able to keep hold of Mills this summer.

On the left, Aidomo Emakhu and Jeon Jin-woo are both tied to the club, with Siriki Dembele and Marselino Ferdinan both on the fringes.

Oxford will compete in League One next season after suffering relegation from the Championship last term, finishing 22nd in the table.