Oxford United manager Karl Robinson has refused to comment on claims his club will be among those targeting out-of-favour Blues striker James Norwood in January.

Asked about Norwood, who has been training with the U23s and is set to be made available by Town when the transfer window opens, and Middlesbrough winger Marcus Browne, a former U’s loanee, Robinson said that they were of the standard he would be looking at but wouldn’t comment on individuals specifically.

“That is the calibre. If you’re going to do anything in January, it cannot be to fill a gap, it’s to make this team stronger,” he told the Oxford Mail.

“It’s a horrific window, we all know that, we know how hard it is to get it right.

“As for names, I think it’s unfair to speak of players who are trying to still get in the teams that they play for.”

Quizzed on Norwood specifically, he added: “I’m certainly not going to speak of any of Cooky’s [Paul Cook] players because everyone knows how close we are.”

Earlier this week, Football League World claimed Oxford, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, and Lincoln City are among the clubs keen on the former Tranmere striker, although with sources close to Pompey having dismissed reports of their interest.

Photo: Matchday Images

Garv added 12:52 - Dec 3 Offering good League One players to play off rivals would be a massive own goal.
11

Texastom added 12:55 - Dec 3 Wherever he goes he will be a success. Another talent we will sell on the cheap!
8

Blue_75 added 12:59 - Dec 3 Huge mistake!
10

Texastom added 13:00 - Dec 3 Can't understand why we don't play him when our striker(s) can't find the net. He's been pretty reliable when played. Always put in a shift and worked hard unlike some ITFC players who can't manage a full game. He would probably score more with this improved squad with better service. We have let him down.
8

Dog added 13:08 - Dec 3 Not for me. When he reacts instinctively, he is has good as anyone we have had over the last 10 years, but when he has time to think about where and how he is going to score, he is pretty pants.. Hope he sorts himself out and wish him all the best for the future.
5

IpswichToon added 13:33 - Dec 3 It seems a few people don't understand that we currently have 5 strikers at the club, when we're only playing 1 upfront. That means 3 of them 5 won't even make the bench, and you can only presume that Norwood is 5th in that pecking order. Norwood scored 20+ goals in League 2, a few years ago now. Piggott scored 20+ goals in League 1 last season - and has had only a handful of league minutes so far this season. We can't expect Norwood to be happy staying at the club when it's pretty much guaranteed there's no way into the starting lineup.

2

Unhinged_dynamo added 13:33 - Dec 3 We'll sell him to a rival in league one and watch him fly with better service than he's had here
0

karl1426 added 13:49 - Dec 3 Anyone who leaves Portman Road will go on to greater heights! Andre will be playing Premier League football soon! Sad case.
-4

ShropshireBluenago09 added 14:01 - Dec 3 Should be in the team for work rate alone
1

ArnieM added 14:08 - Dec 3 Not happy about offloading to a rival league one side , but Norwood time here is at an end . Has been a massive flop tbh .
2

ArnieM added 14:11 - Dec 3 …. And for people bemoaning why he's not playing , there's a good reason why he's been sacked by the club. So just trust that decision people ….
5

pennblue added 14:28 - Dec 3 Garv, I suspect if Norwood is going to Oxford, someone will be coming in the opposite direction.
-1

Karlosfandangal added 16:20 - Dec 3 I think if we play Norwood it will send out the wrong message. The club has sent out a message that they want the club to be the heart of the community and I am afraid his off field antics does not promote that. Could have been a legend for the club as his goal and Assit tally is good for the games that he has played. Glad the club has said no matter how good you are you won't play for this club if you don't buy in to the values. Hope any money Town get will be used to secure Bonne and buy another striker (well to buy maybe one of Bonne legs) can't see the club getting much for him but a least his wages will be gone

7

ArnieM added 17:25 - Dec 3 Spot on ^^^
0

ChrisFelix added 17:53 - Dec 3 The signing of Norwood was welcomed as the person to get us out of this league. But I recall for the past 2 seasons he spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch. Since then the club has moved on but Norwood is now more known for his activities away from football. Like Chopra will score goals but probably not a good influence on the players arround him
4

dirtydingusmagee added 09:12 - Dec 4 Norwood has had his chances as has Jackson . Norwood,was rarely fit, was top scorer but only best of a poor bunch, he was also a player that couldnt keep out of trouble. He wont change , he didnt when his place in squad was at stake. Wishing he would remain at Town is a sign of desperation ,we have players who can score goals, just need Cook to get his act together [or be gone ] imo.

1

Monkey_Blue added 13:26 - Dec 4 If only Norwood was tight lipped when he was in a bar or when on social media. If anyone wants to take him get rid. Oxford aren't promotion rivals as we aren't challenging for promotion at this point… bad egg, get rid unlike some of the players cook did get rid off out of hand.
1

Umros added 17:53 - Dec 4 Need to get cook gone and new manager to give Norwood some drive, this will come back an bite us. Jackson should be above Norwood for the door
0

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