Oxford United manager Karl Robinson claims loan star Marcus McGuane is keen to leave Nottingham Forest on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window, speaking to the Oxford Mail.
Three years ago, a former England U19 international was following in the footsteps of Marc Overmars, Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry, swapping Arsenal for the glitz, glamour, and red and blue of Barcelona.
Flash forward to early 2021, however, and McGuane isn’t fighting for the La Liga title but pushing to return from a long-term thigh injury ahead of the League One run-in instead.
It’s fair to say the 22-year-old didn’t expect to be plying his trade against the likes of Accrington, Swindon and Rochdale when he arrived at Camp Nou a few seasons ago.
But the gifted midfielder can take some consolation in knowing that, at Oxford, regular first-team football is within his grasp at long last.
McGuane has made more appearances in 2020/21 than during any other season of his admittedly short career.
And, given the opportunity, Robinson would jump at the chance to tie down the one-time Arsenal youth captain to a full-time deal at Oxford.
“Everyone knows how much I want him back here. He wants to be back here as well,” Robinson said.
“We’re working extremely hard and hopefully we can have some news on him. He’s certainly a player we know the owners want.
“We know Nottingham Forest are happy with it and we’re happy with what we think we can get out of the deal. Hopefully in the next seven days we can have some news.”
Forest are unlikely to stand in McGuane’s way given the youngster hasn’t made a single Championship appearance 15 months after arriving from Barcelona.
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