MARVIN Johnson has shrugged off reported interest in him from Premier League and Sky Bet Championship clubs as just confirmation he is performing well for Oxford United.

After a slow start following his six-figure move to the U’s from Motherwell on deadline day last August, the winger has been in eye-catching form.

Johnson, who began his career at Kidderminster Harriers, has scored five goals in his maiden Football League season.

The most recent came at Luton Town this month, where a spectacular late strike secured a trip to Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy.

U’s boss Michael Appleton said in December several Championship clubs were keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.

And since the winner at Kenilworth Road he has been linked with Derby County, Birmingham City, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.

Johnson is aware of the speculation, but is trying to ignore the stories and focus on continuing to enjoy life with the U’s.

He said: “For people to be talking about you then you must be doing something right.

“It’s just rumours and you have to get on with your football.

“You just have to keep your head down and keep doing what you’re doing. The more you see it, the more it should push you on.”

Johnson credits the welcome from all at United for helping him settle so quickly into a memorable first campaign.

He said: “It’s not easy coming into a new team and everyone gels with you straight away.

“Sometimes there might be a divide in the camp and as the new lad it might take you a long time to settle in.

“The boys and the gaffer made me feel welcome and that’s been a major step to the way I’ve been playing.

“The rewards are starting to come now.”

Johnson is not the only United player whose performances will have caught the attention of scouts.

And Appleton, who agreed seven-figure deals for Kemar Roofe and Callum O’Dowda last summer, expects there to be bids for his prized assets again in the close season.

He said: “We know we’ll get three or four offers for players.

“Again, everyone has a price, but it has to be right for Oxford United.

“You have to weigh up the rewards for getting into the Championship by keeping that squad together, (against) the opportunity to regenerate a bit of cash we can put through the system again.

“I’m not daft, football is a business.

“When people come in and offer you in excess of £1m for a player in League One, that’s a hell of a lot of money and you have to take it seriously.”