KARL Robinson has confirmed Samir Carruthers is a top target for Oxford United this summer.

The pair worked together at Milton Keynes Dons and the midfielder is surplus to requirements at Sheffield United.

With two seasons still remaining on his contract at Bramall Lane, it is thought the 25-year-old’s wages would price him out of United’s reach for a permanent signing.

It means a loan deal would be the only likely route for a reunion – and it is an option the Blades were willing to consider when their retained list was published earlier this month.

While the move to work under Chris Wilder has not worked out, Robinson has seen first-hand what Carruthers is capable of producing in Sky Bet League One.

“I’d love to work with him again,” the U’s boss said.

“He was the one I tried to sign when I first walked in at Charlton and I know how important he was for MK Dons in the year we went up.

“There were times when he and Rob Hall were unbelievable together.

“There’s a game I can’t get out of my head where those two for 20 minutes – I had never seen football like it.

“They’re on the same wavelength and everyone knows how good Hally is.”

Carruthers spent time in Arsenal’s youth system, but his professional debut came in the Premier League with Aston Villa six years ago.

Robinson took the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international on loan to Stadium MK in 2013 and he made the move permanent a year later.

After 109 appearances in two and a half seasons, he was signed by Sheffield United for an estimated £250,000, but has only started nine games in 18 months.

Robinson views Carruthers as a wide player and thinks if a deal could be arranged it would – like the new contract signed by Simon Eastwood last week – make a statement.

He said: “I think players who may want to leave might look at this and go ‘hang on’ because we’re trying to bring in a quality of player who will compete with the top end of our squad, they’re not just making the numbers up.

“Rather than relying on two or three (stars) we want to compete with all.”