OXFORD MAY NOW SWOOP FOR JAMBO
BY SCOTT BURNS AND ROSS PILCHER
OXFORD are set to turn their attention to Sean Clare if they can’t land Stephen O’Donnell.
The League One outfit are in talks with outof-contract Scotland international O’Donnell.
United manager Karl Robinson wants to recruit the former Kilmarnock fullback but has so far been unable to agree terms.
Robinson made a bid for O’Donnell in January and has renewed his interest only to be now looking at alternatives.
Hearts star Clare, 23, is next on his list.
Robinson tried to land the versatile full-back when he left Sheffield Wednesday in 2018 but was quoted in excess of £650,000 before the Owls accepted a cutprice, cross-border bid from the Jambos.
Oxford would be prepared to pay a six-figure sum if they decide to move away from O’Donnell.
Clare joined Hearts on a three-year deal but has had to take a wage cut along with the rest of the firstteam squad after the Covid-19 lockdown.
The sale would also give Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson funds to overhaul his own squad.
Neilson is running the rule over ex-Motherwell winger Elliott Frear.
The 29-year-old is out of contract after leaving Forest Green and has joined the Jambos on their return to pre-season.
Neilson is keen to add more quality in the wide areas, having lost out to Bristol Rovers in an attempt to bring Sam Nicholson back to the club.
Now the Gorgie gaffer has turned his attention to Frear, who will be assessed as the Championship favourites are put through their paces at Oriam.
Frear, who was also deployed as a left wing-back under Stephen Robinson at Fir Park, would provide a more experienced alternative on the left to Lewis Moore.
With competitive action not under way until October 6 and the league season kick-off 11 days after that, there is no rush for a decision from either party.
Indeed, Neilson will take his time with a long pre-season still in store for his squad.
He knows he has to reduce his squad size before he can make major changes of his own as he looks to take the club back into the Premiership at the first time of asking.
It is understood Neilson is in the hunt for a rightsided wide player as well as a central midfielder to beef up his team.