Exclusive: Oxford United in talks to sign ex-Brentford man - Blackburn Rovers set to miss out | OneFootball

Football League World can exclusively reveal that Oxford United are in talks with Fin Stevens, whose move to Blackburn Rovers is off.

Oxford United are racing against the transfer deadline to add more quality to their ranks amid their Championship relegation battle, Football League World can exclusively reveal.

Matt Bloomfield's men suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Birmingham City on Saturday, leaving them five points adrift of safety.

The Kassam Stadium outfit have been busy in the transfer market, acquiring the likes of Christ Makosso on loan from Luton Town and Jamie McDonnell on a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest.

With Championship survival on the line, Oxford don't want to stop there and are vying to bring a familiar face back to the club before 7pm on Monday.

Oxford United in talks to sign Fin Stevens

FLW had previously revealed Blackburn Rovers' interest in St Pauli defender Fin Stevens, who has played in the Championship for Brentford, Swansea City, and Oxford.

However, FLW can now exclusively report that talks between the 22-year-old and Blackburn have broken down, and he has now travelled to complete a move to the Kassam Stadium.

Bloomfield's side favour a permanent move for the full-back, but the Championship club are facing a race against time, with the transfer deadline drawing ever closer.

Stevens has not appeared for St Pauli this season, but was an unused substitute in recent Bundesliga encounters with Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund, and Wolfsburg.

Stevens, who has two senior international caps for Wales, has suffered a lack of game time at St Pauli, making just two appearances for the German top-flight outfit since joining in the summer of 2024.

However, he was a major asset for Oxford when they won promotion from League One to the Championship during a 2023/24 loan spell from his former club, Brentford.

Stevens made 36 third-tier appearances for United that term, helping them reach the play-offs, where they ultimately defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at Wembley, thanks to Josh Murphy's brace.

Returning to Oxford should help bring out the best in the 22-year-old, while Bloomfield needs a defender who can help keep his side in the Championship.

Bloomfield's men have conceded 38 goals in 29 league fixtures this term, which is something Stevens will be eager to help them rectify, while also showing his attacking credentials.