Oxford United’s failure to secure a signing during the January transfer window has nothing to do with their position in the table, according to chief executive Mark Ashton.

Despite their best efforts, the club have been unable to get a deal over the line and time is beginning to run out ahead of the deadline on February 2.

It has led some to wonder if there is a connection between the recruitment difficulties and United’s place in Sky Bet League Two, perched just three points above the relegation zone.

But Ashton, who plays a key role in recruiting players, made it clear it had not been raised in any conversations with transfer targets.

“I’ll be honest, that’s not been mentioned once,” he said.

“I guarantee we understand people’s frustrations because they want it now, but no-one is more frustrated than us.

“We are at it 24/7, but we are at the behest of other clubs.

“There’s a three-way track – you need to get an agreement with the player, the agent and the club – we are pushing on all three.”

Discussions continued on a variety of fronts yesterday and the potential deals include permanent moves which would involve a transfer fee.

But there is no guarantee of having fresh blood in the squad before tomorrow’s home game against Exeter City.

Head coach Michael Appleton remains frustrated by the lack of progress, but felt the hold up would be worth it if the right targets arrive at the right price.

He said: “I don’t want someone coming in because we’ve paid far too much money to get him through the door.

“We need to get players who genuinely want to be part of what I think is a fantastic football club with a great set-up.

“If we get the people I want to get in you’ll understand why it’s taken a bit longer than normal, because it will hopefully excite a lot of people.”