Sheffield United & Lincoln City plotting transfer moves for Oxford United star | OneFootball

Ciaron Brown has emerged as a potential target for the Blades and Imps

Sheffield United and Lincoln City are two sides eyeing a potential January swoop for Oxford United and Northern Ireland international defender, Ciaron Brown.

That is according to Alan Nixon - via Patreon - with there now being less than three months until the transfer window reopens for business in the EFL.

The Championship and League One fixture schedules are both currently impacted by an extended international break, and Brown's current employers have not played a competitive game themselves since September 19th.

The 28-year-old is one of those who has been called upon by his country for the start of the UEFA Nations League campaign, which Michael O'Neill's side have started in fine fashion with two wins and one draw, with the Oxford man scoring a brace against Ukraine on Friday.

Brown has also been one of the most consistent performers at the Kassam Stadium for some time, and such feats have continued in this season's early weeks under the newly-appointed Aaron Ramsey.

Sheffield United and Lincoln City plot moves for Oxford United's Ciaron Brown amid contract situation

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Brown has been on Oxford's books for over four years, initially joining on loan from Cardiff City for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign in League One, before extending his stay with the Yellows that particular summer.

The London-born defender has amassed 203 appearances for the club, proving to be a valuable asset in both boxes by scoring 16 goals and posting six assists.

The centre-back, who is also capable of playing left-back, signed a new contract with the club last summer, but as per Nixon's update, it is suggested Brown is out-of-contract in June.

As such, it has been claimed that the Blades, managed by former Oxford boss, Chris Wilder, is looking at the experienced figure as a potential bargain addition to his defence.

Lincoln, meanwhile, are also said to be eyeing a swoop for the 33-time international after their steady start to life in the Championship.

Sheffield United's interest in Ciaron Brown comes after several centre-back transfer links in the summer

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It has been a far from straightforward start to the season at Bramall Lane, with Sheffield United seeing off-field debacles between COH Sports and former owner, Prince Abdullah, take centre stage.

At present, the Steel City side are 18th in the Championship and have shipped 11 goals across their first eight games, whilst defensive depth remains an obvious concern.

Despite loaning in Liam Kitching from Coventry City after initial interest was exclusively revealed by Football League World, United also missed out on moves for Anel Ahmedhodzic, Joe Worrall and Harry Souttar among others, leaving Wilder with only four centre-backs at his disposal between now and the new year.

Oxford United will hope to retain Ciaron Brown despite Championship interest

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It was also a difficult first transfer window for Ramsey at the Kassam, as a temporary transfer embargo severely limited the business Oxford were able to conduct, only making three additions to the squad which was relegated last season.

As they currently sit 10th in the table, the Welshman will be hoping his side can maintain a play-off push between now and January and look to kick on further from there.