Three collapsed signings after Oxford United transfer ban

The U’s were handed a temporary registration ban after failing to comply with the EFL’s Squad Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations upon suffering relegation to League One from the Championship.

Aaron Ramsey side are prohibited from registering any new players, including loan signings and free transfers, with the club stating they will be in a strong position to sign reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.

Oxford brought in one new name ahead of the ban in former Heart of Midlothian centre back Frankie Kent, however he has not been registered and has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury ruling him out of action for a number of months.

According to numerous sources, United have missed out on multiple new additions after suffering the temporary embargo.

Jordan Thomas is one name who was close to joining the club before the embargo.

The Oxford-born former U’s academy winger reportedly had a move back to OX4 fall through after becoming a free agent at the end of last season.

The 25-year-old left League Two side Cheltenham Town and has been in search of a new club after impressing for the Robins over a two-and-a-half year spell.

The former Didcot Town and North Leigh star is now on the verge of joining League One outfit Doncaster Rovers, according to reporters Pete O’Rourke and Jon Palmer, with Rovers boss Grant McCann playing a key role in Thomas choosing the club over other third-tier rivals.

Elsewhere, Oxford were very close to securing the services of former Cardiff City man Ryan Wintle until their embargo.

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Wrexham’s Nathan Broadhead and Cardiff City’s Ryan Wintle battle for the ball (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Wintle was, according to The Dub, set to sign for the U’s in the week of when the embargo was announced until said punishment collapsed the move.

The 29-year-old played 40 times in League One for the Bluebirds as they finished second in the table.

He has since signed for newly-promoted third-tier side MK Dons whom the U’s face at home on the opening day of the upcoming season.

St Mirren’s Mikael Mandron celebrates (Image: Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

Finally, former St Mirren striker Mikael Mandron has reportedly agreed to join United before the embargo was confirmed.

The French forward managed four goals and four assists in 31 matches in the Scottish Premiership last season whilst bagging seven goals in eight games in the League Cup.

According to journalist Mark Hendry, League One club Stevenage are closing in on a two-year deal for the 31 year-old who has had spells at Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and Colchester United.