TODD Kane remains a target for Oxford United despite them signing a right back this week – but boss Karl Robinson needs a decision before the start of pre-season.

Cameron Norman became the first new signing of the summer yesterday, joining as a free agent after a season with Kings Lynn.

But with Dwight Tiendalli being released and Canice Carroll’s future seen by many at the club in midfield, United are still on the lookout for another right back.

Kane spent the second half of this season on loan from Chelsea and last month suggested he was open-minded about a return.

With a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, that would either mean another loan, or arranging a settlement before joining with a significant pay cut.

Robinson, United’s manager, stressed Norman’s arrival did not rule out Kane, but there is a desire to sign another player in that position before the squad returns to action.

He said: “There are five right backs we’re speaking to. I can’t keep waiting.

“We know what we’re doing, we’re working round the clock.

“There are four or five players for every position (that we’re looking at).

“I think if it was down to Todd, he would want to be here.

“If Chelsea want to keep him through the summer, then he won’t be here.

“We want somebody here by July 1.”

Norman came through the youth ranks at Norwich City, but has spent the last two years playing in non-league waiting for a chance to return to the professional game.

Robinson believes the journey gives the 22-year-old a hunger to succeed.

He said: “He’s come out of a Premier League academy, so he’s certainly had a tremendous grounding.

“When players have had to go out of the league it’s amazing how much more desire they have to get back in.

“I like signing players from that level, because they understand the platform they’ve been given to perform on.

“He’s very humble, very articulate in the way he conducts himself.

“He has belief that he can play at a higher level, but there’s no point talking about it, that story will be written by his performances, not by what he has to say.

“We’re really pleased to get him over the line.”

And Robinson is optimistic United will be finalising further deals shortly.

He said: “We’re close on one or two.

“We’ve got meetings with clubs and we’re hoping to get a steer from their boardroom.”