United keen to hang on to Green

7:59pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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Matt Green has been released by FA Cup finalists Cardiff City - and Oxford United boss Darren Patterson believes the U's have an excellent chance of landing the talented young striker.

But Patterson says Green, who scored ten goals in just 17 starts for United while on loan from the Bluebirds last season, is just one of a number of strikers who are among his targets this summer.

It is good news for Oxford that he has been released, because it means he will not cost a fee.

Yet his fine form for the U's means they are bound to face strong competition from other clubs for his services.

Patterson said: "I'm having a meeting with Matt and will be talking things over with him.

"He won't cost a fee, which is good news for us, but there are a number of other issues that need to be discussed.

"There will be a lot of competition for his signature, I'm sure.

"There were League clubs who were chasing him on the two previous occasions I got him, and that's likely again, but I believe we're in a very good position, because he enjoys his football here and knows we will treat him well."

Among the "other issues" to be thrashed out are wages, and also his medical history.

Green's appearances last season were limited because of a knee injury, and United will want to make sure they have the necessary safeguards if they offer him a deal, or if he requires specialist treatment or an operation.

But the 21-year-old has shown such promise that they are likely to try hard to get him.

Patterson is reported to be keen on Cheltenham striker Craig Reid - top-scorer for the Robins' reserves for the past two seasons.

Reid has already been told he will be released, and reports suggest that the U's and Chester are keen on signing him.

Meanwhile, Patterson and his assistant, Mickey Lewis, are joined by Phil Whitehead, Matt Elliott and Les Robinson in an Oxford United Legends side who will be taking on a Kidlington Legends team at Kidlington's Yarnton Road ground on Sunday (12).

The game is a memorial for club stalwart Terry Wiffen, who died last September.

Oxford Utd Legends squad: P Whitehead, A Judge, A Rogan, M Lewis, L Taylor, C Allen, D Patterson, M Elliott, P Heath, L Robinson. Others to be announced.