Wilder lines up a new loanee (From The Oxford Times)

Wilder lines up a new loanee

9:20am Friday 16th March 2012 in Oxford United By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

A replacement loan signing for Lee Holmes could be completed by Oxford United today.

U’s boss Chris Wilder has been forced back into the loan market after being unable to keep the Southampton player for longer than a month, which expired last weekend.

An alternative target is being lined up and a deal may be completed in time for tomorrow’s game against Rotherham United.

Wilder was left frustrated by Holmes, who joined Swindon, despite giving assurances he would not be interested in joining another club in npower League Two.

“We’re disappointed,” the United manager said.

“The boy spoke to us and said he wouldn’t be going to a League Two club and he wouldn’t go to League One unless it was a top club.

“I think he had his heart set on Charlton, but obviously they couldn’t agree the wages, which is Southampton’s prerogative.

“Swindon came in, but the boy stated to myself and the coaching staff he wouldn’t be interested in a move to League Two.”