Oxford United Manager Michael Appleton is determined to hold on to attacking midfielder Kemar Roofe until the end of the season.
The U’s signed Roofe in the summer on a permanent basis after a successful loan spell from parent club West Bromwich Albion towards the end of last season. The 22 year old came through the youth set up at The Hawthorns and has been loaned out to a host of league clubs to gain experience before joining Oxford United.
Roofe has quickly become the fans favourite at The Kassam Stadium having scored 12 goals in 24 appearances for the club this season from his free-playing midfield role. The Walsall born midfielder’s hot run of form has alerted a number of higher division clubs including Newcastle United who recently watched the player in action and Oxford United are preparing themselves for a January tug-of-war for Roofe’s services.
Despite the interest from higher division clubs, Manager Michael Appleton is desparate to hold onto his man with The U’s living up to their pre season billing as promotion contenders and he has urged his in demand players to resist the temptation of any January transfer interest.
Should Roofe remain at The Kassam Stadium, he faces the prospect of a glamour FA Cup 3rd Round tie with Premier League giants Swansea City, a possible trip to Wembley in the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy Final and a potential League 2 promotion.
