Ryan Taylor remains firmly on Oxford United’s radar despite the signing of Kemar Roofe, according to head coach Michael Appleton.

New Portsmouth boss Paul Cook held talks with Taylor this week, but opted not to offer the 27-year-old a new deal at Fratton Park.

Reports on the south coast suggest United, whose interest broke before the end of the season, have already tabled a contract offer.

They have also been strongly linked with the versatile Drew Talbot, who has turned down a contract offer from Chesterfield.

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Taylor scored ten goals for Pompey this season, only the second time in his career the former Rotherham United and Bristol City frontman had reached double figures.

But he formed a productive partnership with Sky Bet League Two top scorer Matt Tubbs.

Appleton is keen to begin the campaign with a quartet of strikers, but does not count Roofe, who signed a three-year deal last week.

When asked whether the move ended United’s interest in Taylor, Appleton said: “No, not at all.

“I believe if we want to have any designs to get out of this league we are going to need four strikers.

“It’s a no-brainer we need another striker.

“I don’t necessarily count Kemar as one, he’s an option.

“He’s different to Danny (Hylton), Pat (Hoban) and James (Roberts) and if we do bring a striker in – and I say ‘if’ because there’s a lot of hurdles you’ve got to get over – he will be different to what we’ve got, which probably answers your question.”

With almost 350 appearances under his belt, Talbot would bring plenty of experience and has spent much of his career playing above Sky Bet League Two.

The 28-year-old can play in either full back role, midfield or up front, but his home town club Barnsley are also believed to be in the running, which could be persuasive given they are in League One and Talbot would not have to relocate.

Appleton, who has also recruited Liam Sercombe this month, was hopeful a third deal could be tied up before going away for a short break next week.

But while the Oxford Mail understands the club are close to a couple of deals, nothing is likely to be finalised before next week.

Appleton said: “We’re certainly in the race with a lot of stuff and there’s a lot of things going on.

“The good thing is we’re being really proactive, we’re not reacting to situations.

“We’re ready to go when we get the green light.”