RECRUITING a goalscorer is Chris Wilder’s priority this summer – and he has made room in Oxford United’s budget to attract one.

Converting chances has been the side’s Achilles’ heel since returning to the Football League three seasons ago.

James Constable’s 17 goals in the 2010/11 campaign is the highest individual tally, while of the sides in League Two’s top half this season only Cheltenham Town scored scored fewer than United’s 60 goals across the 46 games.

United want to bring in a target man and a poacher this summer after releasing forwards Tom Craddock, Jon-Paul Pittman, Justin Richards and Josh Parker.

Wilder intends to strengthen other areas of the squad, but finding sharp-shooters is the key.

“I think forwards have to be the priority when you look at the season,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ve had a problem with our organisation, I don’t think we’ve had a problem controlling games.

“The two things we’ve not done right are conceding too many goals – which I believe is because we’ve chopped and changed all the time – and we’ve not scored enough when we’ve had enough of the ball and enough opportunities.”

United will not be alone this summer, with proven strikers always hot property.

The demand means they command the highest wages, but by releasing 12 players, including some of the squad’s high earners, Wilder has tried to free up some extra resources.

He said: “I think everyone recognises we might have to pay a little bit more for a goalscorer – it’s common knowledge those are the players that are coveted.

“In the budget we might have to shuffle a bit of money around.”

One area United have looked to free up some money is in defence, with experienced pair Liam Davis and Damian Batt among the dozen let go earlier this month.

Wilder said: “We’ve pulled it back a little bit to give in other areas where we think are more important.

“No disrespect to our full backs, but I know I would have had to offer Liam Davis and Damian Batt good money to stay and then I wouldn’t have been able to put the money into other areas. It’s a whole balancing act.

“Having a top right back or left back doesn’t mean you’ll win games and get promotion.

“Gillingham, Rotherham and Port Vale have good full backs, but they’ve got even better forwards.”