QPR and Sheffield United face new Oxford United threat in transfer race | OneFootball

Oxford United have joined the race to sign Dundee FC defender Luke Graham this January

Dundee FC's Scottish defender Luke Graham is being courted by numerous Championship clubs this January, with Oxford United the latest club to join the race for his signature.

Managerless Oxford United have already made the addition of Jamie Donley on loan from Tottenham Hotspur this January, as they look to add some much-needed quality to the squad to bolster their survival hopes.

As per Alan Nixon, the U's have joined the race for the signature of the 21-year-old Graham, who has been an ever-present in Dundee's defence in the Scottish top flight this campaign.

The highly-rated centre-back is attracting interest from clubs in Scotland, such as Aberdeen, as well as south of the border, with each of Sheffield United, Queens Park Rangers, and Portsmouth all rumoured to be interested in obtaining his signature.

Oxford United join Championship rivals in hunt for Luke Graham's signature

Indeed, Graham is a highly-coveted player, and Oxford don't face an easy task in trying to sign him this January.

Nixon states that Oxford have money to spend this January, with exact figures not disclosed, they face the real risk of facing a relegation battle in the latter stages of the season if they do not improve.

The U's sit three points from safety, though have a game in hand on Norwich City above them, with only crisis-club Sheffield Wednesday keeping them off the very bottom of the table.

Currently without a manager following the dismissal of Gary Rowett, Oxford do not find themselves in a favourable position to attract players to the Kassam Stadium this January, but will be hoping that they can offer the most money for Graham, who would be sure to improve their back line.

Dundee boss Steven Pressley is determined to keep hold of Graham beyond the winter window despite heavy interest, saying, "Any interest wouldn’t surprise me because I think Luke’s been exceptional. Especially over the last two or three months, he's really grown in stature.

"Although I don't deal with these things, I would imagine it would take a big offer for a club like us to part with him. I think that when I look around at centre-backs, young centre-backs, he's one of the top ones out there.

I was lucky that I brought through at Carlisle young Jarrad Branthwaite. He's now an England international, so I've seen first-hand his level. I think Luke Graham looks very comparable to that.

I think he's an outstanding young player with a huge future. It would take a really prized offer to get us to sell the player. He's under contract, and also beyond that there's the protection of the compensation."

Branthwaite now stars for Everton in the Premier League and has been valued in excess of £70 million amid interest from Manchester United, and whilst Graham has some way to go to be in the same bracket, it's certainly high praise, and a deal Oxford fans will be keen to see their side beat competition to and get over the line.

With the addition of Donley being swiftly made upon the opening of the January window, Oxford mustn't get complacent now.

By almost every metric, they are one of, if not the smallest, sides in the division, putting them right up against it.

However, Rowett did a superb job last season to keep the club afloat despite the odds, though he failed to kick on the side this season, leading to his departure.

With a fraction of the budget afforded to numerous other sides in the division, the U's will struggle to implement an expansive style of football, and are almost resigned to a more pragmatic, direct way of play.

Ironically, a good boss for them at the moment would be someone like Rowett, but given that's not going to happen and the interview process for the vacant role continues to go on, they remain without anyone in the dugout.

Graham would be an incredible addition regardless of who their next appointment may be, and if they can fend off strong competition for his signature, it significantly bolsters Oxford's survival hopes.