CHARLIE Raglan could be allowed to leave Oxford United this month if they sign a holding midfielder.

The centre back is out of contract this summer and his only starts this season have come in the Checkatrade Trophy.

United have received an approach to take Raglan on loan for the rest of the campaign, which could be sanctioned if reinforcements arrive.

Boss Karl Robinson felt yesterday a move for his midfield target was close – and could possibly be completed in time for tomorrow’s game at Fleetwood Town.

They would be in competition with John Mousinho, who also offers cover at centre half.

That would free up room for Raglan to become available.

He said: “It gives us Mous, (Rob) Dickie, (Curtis) Nelson and we know Sam Long can play as the fourth-choice centre back.”

He added: “Charlie’s contract is up in the summer and we have to be fair to him.

“He’s someone I have unbelievable respect for, he’s never let me down.

“People will say why doesn’t he play, but we think we have two good centre backs here.

“We know Rob Dickie is one for the future, there are a lot of clubs chasing our centre backs.

“I don’t just have the permutations of who I bring in, there’s also the welfare of the other players.

“It is a tangled web and it’s something that as a manager you learn to cope with.”

The transfer window has yet to yield progress on United’s priority – adding options up front.

It leaves Robinson needing to be creative, not ideal given the side’s position in the Sky Bet League One relegation zone.

He said: “This is as difficult (a spell as I’ve had) but in a sick way I’ve loved it.

“You go back to that work ethic and that fight or flight mode.

“I’ve tried to lead from the front and the attention to detail has to be more important than ever.

“We’ve really dug our heels in and tried to make the best out of whatever the situation may be.”