Oxford United ‘may accept’ over £2 million Stan Mills offer

The U’s begin the new League One campaign on Saturday when they host newly-promoted club MK Dons at the Kassam Stadium.

Oxford were knocked out of the Carabao Cup last weekend after a 2-0 defeat to Leyton Orient in their first competitive game under new head coach Aaron Ramsey.

Last season’s Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Year, Mills, was absent from the squad during the loss at Brisbane Road after missing training for some of last week.

Championship outfit Preston have been rumoured to be interested in the 22-year-old for a number of weeks, with Oxford currently trying to keep their squad together amid a temporary transfer embargo.

Stan Mills in action at the Hawthorns (Image: Mike Allen)

According to reporter Alan Nixon, the Lilywhites are ‘pushing hard’ to seal a deal for Mills, with boss Paul Heckingbottom keen on the former Everton man.

The clubs are reportedly ‘haggling’ over a fee, with Preston now willing to pay up with a an offer in excess of £2 million and rising.

The U’s would have to face a decision should they be tempted by the offer as they are currently unable to replace any players due to the temporary embargo.

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Stan Mills has been chased by Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom (Image: Mike Allen)

However, a fee could help the club amid their current short-term financial issues.

Nixon reports that United ‘may be ready’ to accept the Lancashire club’s offer and that Oxford ‘need the cash’ but may not be able to invest in the way that they wish.

Mills scored three goals and managed four assists for the U’s last season as the club was relegated from the second tier.