MICHAEL Appleton admitted he would be disappointed if he was not able to add to his Oxford United squad before the January transfer window shuts this evening.

The U’s have until 11pm to tie up any deals and would like to introduce at least one new face ahead of tomorrow’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final second leg at home to Millwall.

United are still keen on bringing Chris Maguire back after his successful loan spell, but must continue to wait for the forward to come to an agreement with parent club Rotherham United.

And while tonight’s deadline is creeping ever closer, head coach Appleton is aware the loan window, which opens next Tuesday, could be just as important.

Appleton, who was yesterday reported in a national newspaper to have be asked to head Manchester United’s youth academy, said: “I would be a little disappointed if we don’t get one or two in.

“It is not the end of the world if we don’t, but it would be nice to see one more face in the building for Tuesday.”

One player who looks set to leave the club is midfielder Danny Rose, who is said to be close to securing a permanent move.

The 27-year-old has not featured since the FA Cup victory over Forest Green Rovers in December.

Appleton said: “Danny is very close to hopefully getting something sorted out at another club.

“It could be a transfer, but obviously there are a few legalities that are needed to be sorted out.”

And striker Patrick Hoban, who was left out of the squad for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers, is available to go out on loan.

Hoban, who made his debut for United 12 months ago, has made 53 appearances since joining from League of Ireland outfit Dundalk where he scored 20 goals as they won the Premier Division in 2014.

But the 24-year-old has been unable to replicate that success with the U’s, finding the net just six times, while restricted to only eight starts.

Appleton did not feel Hoban’s head was in the right place to be named in Saturday’s squad.

He added: “I have given him the opportunity to go out and get some football because that is what he has been craving over the last two months.

“I have not been convinced, I suppose, with the impact I have been getting by some of my squad members when they have been coming on the field.

“We need to strengthen and we need to try and improve and push the eleven that have been playing most weeks.

“If we can do that then hopefully we will have a really good end to the season.

“I think there are plenty of people prepared to take Pat.

“All he has to do now is choose which one he sees fit is the best one for him for the next two or three months.”