OXFORD United are looking at alternative targets after boss Michael Appleton admitted the chances of Tyler Roberts returning appeared to be receding.

The U’s were expecting an answer from parent club West Bromwich Albion last Tuesday, when his initial loan expired.

Appleton is still keen to bring Roberts back for the rest of the campaign.

But the United head coach felt the delay in getting an answer was not a good sign.

“We’ve been told they’ll give us an answer next week, which is a little bit frustrating,” he said.

“I’m not feeling confident if I’m honest. As you can imagine we’re looking at different options now.

“We’d take him back in a heartbeat, there’s no doubt about that, but the longer it goes on it looks more unlikely.”