Reported Nottingham Forest target Josh Ruffels “wants to leave” Oxford United and play Championship football, U’s manager Karl Robinson has told the Oxford Mail.
If Oxford hadn’t suffered play-off heartbreak for the second straight season, would the left-back be celebrating a new contract at his home-town club, committing his long-term future to life at the Kassam Stadium?
Well, according to Robinson, Ruffels “definitely would have stayed” had the U’s secured promotion to the second tier at long last.
As it is, however, the Oxford-born, 27-year-old fans’ favourite has no choice but to look elsewhere if he wants to prove himself at a higher level.
Forest interested in Oxford star Ruffels
The Athletic reports Nottingham Forest are interested amid the impending departure of Yuri Ribeiro.
Huddersfield Town are keen too, as reported by Yorkshire Live.
And, with his contract due to expire at the end of this month, all signs suggest Ruffels has played his last game in Oxford yellow.
“I’ve spoken to Ruffs a lot and he wants to leave on the right terms,” Robinson explains.
Time may be right for Ruffles move
“He feels tying him down to a contract takes him until he’s 30-plus – when his opportunity in the Championship may be now.
“I think the world of Ruffs – he knows that and I’ve said this to him – and he thinks the world of the football club. We have a tremendous relationship.
“He never wanted to leave and, if we were in the Championship, he definitely would’ve stayed.”
Interestingly, Ruffels is one of a number of League One players linked with a Nottingham Forest side that appears to be prioritising up-and-coming, home-grown talent this summer.
Dion Charles, Luke Jephcott and Sunderland hotshot Charlie Wyke are also targets for Chris Hughton’s team.
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