Oxford United, Portsmouth in race for Aston Villa starlet

The U’s had their relegation confirmed on Saturday ahead of their 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday and are set to return to the third tier of English football after two seasons in the Championship.

Head coach Matt Bloomfield admitted after the weekend’s win that preparations for next season would begin imminently and is has been reported by reporter Pete O’Rourke that The Yellows are set to battle Portsmouth for the signing of Villa starlet O’Reilly.

Oxford United head coach Matt Bloomfield (Image: Jason Dawson)

The 22-year-old has spent the current campaign on loan at League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra, netting seven goals and securing 11 assists in 45 fourth-tier appearances.

Crewe currently sit in 10th place in the division, 10 points away from the play-off places.

READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday surprise after heavy Oxford United loss

READ MORE: Will Lankshear apologises after Oxford United relegation

READ MORE: Oxford United chairman statement to fans after relegation

O’Reilly endured his first loan spell away in 2024 at Villa’s sister club Real Union in Spain, but only managed two appearances as his six-month spell in the second half of 2023/24 was curtailed by injury.

He then spent six months in League One with struggling Shrewsbury before spending the second half of the 2024/25 campaign in League Two with MK Dons.

The attacking midfielder was been compared to Manchester City and England star Phil Foden by teammates at Villa due to his playing style, as well as drawing similarities to former Arsenal man and current Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere.