adminOxford United linked with Nottingham Forest midfielder
Oxford United are linked with the permanent signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Jamie McDonnell as they look for reinforcements in the Championship this January.
The U’s are looking to avoid relegation to League One and are preparing for new head coach Matt Bloomfield’s first game in charge against Bristol City this weekend.
Midfield is an area which fans have been asking for backup in, and the Yellows have now been linked with exciting young defensive midfielder McDonnell by reporter Alan Nixon.
According to the journalist, Oxford are ‘trying to buy’ the Northern Irishman in a deal worth £1 million plus.
McDonnell has spent the first half of the season on loan at League One club Mansfield Town and has impressed under manager Nigel Clough.
The 21-year-old most was a standout performer in the Stags’ recent FA Cup upset as they beat Championship side Sheffield United in a dramatic 4-3 tie at Bramall Lane.
He has also managed to score twice for Mansfield in 19 games in the third tier and made his senior debut for Northern Ireland against Germany in September of last year.
For United, midfield has become an area where eyes have been drawn in recent months.
After captain Cameron Brannagan’s injury in November, Oxford were left with Brian De Keersmaecker and Will Vaulks as the only natural solutions, showing the need for more bodies in the centre of the pitch.
Two new faces in Jamie Donley and Myles Peart-Harris have arrived in OX4 already this month, however both are more attack-minded midfielders, leaving United still potentially in need of a more defensive player in the middle.
Jamie McDonnell made his senior international debut against Germany last night. 👏
Congratulations, Jamie. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/n3cJ22Iirx
— Nottingham Forest Academy (@NFFCAcademy) September 8, 2025
McDonnell is still currently out on loan at Mansfield, meaning he would be recalled if a deal between the U’s and Forest was to be completed.
Nixon reports that Oxford are currently in talks for the player who was on loan at one of Bloomfield’s former clubs Colchester United.
READ MORE: January window: Oxford United summer signings rated
Whilst the Yellows have been doing business despite not having a head coach after Gary Rowett was sacked two days before Christmas, one would imagine that new boss Bloomfield would want to put some of his DNA on the team and would have identified areas to improve after a full week of training this week.
The U’s are set to face Bristol City at the Kassam on Saturday in the 41-year-old’s first game as he looks to steer them out of the relegation zone.
Oxford currently sit 23rd in the league table on 22 points, three points from safety.
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