Oxford United boss Jim Smith says he may look to wheel and deal next month if it would strengthen the side.

He has already declared that he wants to bring in a midfielder with some quality to boost his table-topping team - and especially now as Eddie Hutchinson is sidelined for a month.

But he may also consider getting someone out to bring another player in.

The U's have looked to be in need of "freshening up" as they have stuttered through December.

But the manager will be wary about doing anything which might disrupt the unity of the squad.

Asked whether any clubs have made inquiries about any of his players, Smith told the Oxford Mail: "We've had a couple of inquiries this last week, but that's been the first time.

"You've got to bear in mind we probably pay as good money as anybody pays in our level, so that obviously stops people talking about our players.

"We can't bring in more than one player in January because of the league's wage cap.

"You could maybe get two cheap players, if you like, or maybe loan players from certain clubs, to balance the amount of money. But if you're looking for serious players, it would eat up most of what we've got in the pot.

"We maybe could wheel and deal, if we can, that would allow more movement, but as we stand here today, without moving players out, we can only bring one player in."

Smith has never in the past been frightened to juggle his squad.

"I'll always wheel and deal, not because of this situation, but if you feel you can make the team better by wheeling and dealing you have to do that.

"And you don't get many opportunities now to wheel and deal because of the window. It's only because this particular window is open this January.

"But if the situation arose that is was what we wanted, we would do that.