Oxford and Rotherham in transfer tug of war for out of favour Sheffield United player | OneFootball

Oxford United and Rotherham United are keen on landing Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos before Monday's transfer deadline.

Oxford United are hoping to bring Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos back to the Kassam Stadium, but will face competition from League One strugglers Rotherham United.

Matos spent last season on loan with the Yellows, and clearly made an impression during his temporary stint at the club, as they now want to bring him back for a second stint, according to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon page.

However, Oxford aren't the only club in pursuit of the Sheffield United youngster, as Rotherham are also reportedly keen on bringing him to The New York Stadium, as they look to beat the drop in League One.

Matos hasn't seen much game time since his permanent switch to the Blades in the summer, and will be keen to go and get a run of games under his belt in the second half of the season.

Oxford United and Rotherham United keen to land Sheffield United's Alex Matos before Monday's deadline

Both Oxford and Rotherham are fighting their own relegation battles in their respective divisions, with the former five points adrift of safety in the Championship, and the latter just above the drop zone in League One on goal difference.

January has come as a welcome boost for both clubs, as they look to strengthen their squads and beat the drop, but they will now go head-to-head with each other for the signing of Matos, according to Nixon.

The journalist reported on Sunday morning that Oxford are keen to add their former loanee to their midfield unit for the second half of the season, but the Millers will fight to ensure they win the race for his signature.

Matos made 21 appearances across all competitions for the U's last term, but has only made eight appearances for Sheffield United this time around, which has opened the door for him to go and find some regular football.

Rotherham United move may suit Matos better than Oxford United

Despite having to take a drop-down to League One, you can't help but feel a move to Rotherham may work best for all parties involved, particularly if game time is the key caveat for Matos' temporary exit.

Obviously, the location works well for the 21-year-old, as Rotherham is around a 10-mile drive from where he's based in Sheffield, in comparison to Oxford, which would likely see him having to temporarily relocate.

Also, Matt Bloomfield's side have already packed out their midfield with reinforcements this window, with the likes of Yunus Konak and Jamie McDonnell arriving at the club, and with players such as Cameron Brannagan already on the books, minutes would be limited at the Kassam.

With that in mind, a move to the Millers may be the better option for Matos overall, as he will have a better chance at getting minutes consistently, whilst also remaining local to his parent club.