Oxford United are looking to bolster Aaron Ramsey's midfield options after reportedly taking Abube Onuchukwu on trial.
It's been a testing period for Oxford after they were hit with a temporary registration embargo by the EFL in July after failing to comply with Squad Cost Management Protocol (SCMP) regulations.
The embargo prevented the club from being able to register any players who were signed for a fee, but the Yellows were able to acquire two players - Coventry City midfielder Kai Andrews and Aston Villa winger Luka Lynch on loan - after receiving special dispensation from the Football League's governing body.
Under current restrictions, Oxford are not permitted to offer new contracts or register new players until January, which is when the embargo will be lifted, but that's not stopping the U's from scouring for players to bolster their squad.
According to Football League World, Oxford have taken Onuchukwu on trial following his release from Ipswich Town in the summer.
Onuchukwu came through the ranks at Aston Villa before joining Ipswich Town on a two-year professional contract in July 2024.
The central midfielder had loan spells at non-league sides Chelmsford City, Billericay and Wingate prior to leaving Ipswich upon the expiration of his deal this summer.
Now 20, Onuchukwu's efforts to find a new club had come to no avail so far, but Aaron Ramsey may be willing to offer him a lifeline - providing Oxford can eventually get a deal over the line.
Ramsey has fared well in his first managerial role despite the difficult circumstances he's encountered.
The U's are eighth in League One with four wins from their opening seven matches, which included a statement 4-0 triumph over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Oxford's transfer embargo further reinforced their stance on retaining key players and they were able to keep hold of the likes of Cameron Brannagan and Ciaron Brown, players who were influential in achieving promotion from League One in 2024 and had attracted Championship interest.
The club did miss out on a multitude of signings in the summer including Jordan Thomas, who went to Doncaster Rovers, and Ryan Wintle, who ended up at MK Dons. A deal for Mikael Mandron was also in the pipeline, but the embargo scuppered that transfer and the forward headed to Stockport County.
Oxford's transfer predicament has at least paved a pathway for several academy products to make their breakthrough.
Precocious forward Mo Missanga and striker Gatlin O'Donkor have capitalised on the opportunity, although the club's ability to tie them down to long-term deals is hindered by the embargo.
