MALCOLM Shotton is putting to use his knowledge of the Scottish football scene by having a look at young striker Junior Mendes who has arrived at the Manor Ground on trial.

Mendes, who will be 22 in September, has been a consistent goalscorer at St Mirren for the past two seasons.

He was formerly a youth team player at Chelsea.

Shotton got to know the best young prospects north of the border during his time at Ayr United where he was first a player and then assistant boss to George Burley.

"He's out of contract at St Mirren and although he's not available under the Bosman ruling as such, he's exercising his right to train at ano-ther club while he's out of contract," said United's assistant manager Mark Harrison.

"He's still tecnically a St Mirren player and they have offered him a new contract.

"We're taking a look at him. He used to play for Chel-sea and Maurice Evans knows of his ability from then."

Meanwhile, top target Dean Windass, the Aberdeen midfielder, is expected to travel to Oxford for a medical tomorrow. The 29-year-old will then discuss personal terms with club officials and could become United's record signing by the weekend.

Dons chairman Stewart Milne is claiming that a fee of £450,000 has been agreed between the clubs, albeit with payments spread over a unspecified period of time.

When asked if Oxford United agreed with this figure, managing director Keith Cox issued a curt reply: "If we do a deal, then we will confirm the terms."

United's previous record signing was the £285,000 they paid to Gillingham for central defender Colin Greenall ten years ago.

Meanwhile, Martin Ald-ridge, who was shown the door at the Manor Ground this summer, is still searching for a club.

The 23-year-old striker, released by United after a spell at the end of last season on loan at Southend, said: "I haven't got fixed up yet. Five or six clubs have rung me but there's nothing definite and I'll probably go to two or three on trial.

"It's still early days so I'm sure I'll get one in the end."

He added: "Denis Smith has contacted me to give his support, saying 'keep in there'.

"He's convinced I'll get a club and has promised to give me good references, but I've been very disappointed with the way Oxford have treated me.

"The first I got to hear that they were getting rid of me was by reading it in the Oxford Mail.

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