Oxford United closing in on sealing five-figure deal for 22-year-old

Oxford United are closing in on sealing a move for Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Edward McGinty, according to a report from the Irish Mirror.

It is understood that the U’s have agreed to pay a five-figure fee for the 22-year-old who is set to finalise a switch to the Kassam Stadium this week.

Discussions are currently ongoing between Oxford and Sligo over whether McGinty will be able to make a final appearance for the League of Ireland side in their Europa Conference League clash with Motherwell on Thursday.

McGinty was the subject of interest from Hearts and Dundee United last month but is now set to feature for Oxford in League One next season.

Capped on two occasions by the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, the keeper is set to provide some competition for Simon Eastwood and Jack Stevens when the new campaign gets underway.

Eastwood made 14 league appearances for Oxford in the previous campaign whilst Stevens represented the club on 30 occasions in this division.

Barring a late twist, McGinty is likely to become the club’s second signing of the summer transfer window.

Oxford opted to sign Ciaron Brown on a permanent deal earlier this month following the defender’s departure from Cardiff City.

The Verdict

Although it may take McGinty some time to adapt to life in League One due to the fact that he has never played at this level before, he has already gained a great deal of experience during his time at Sligo.

In the 104 appearances that he has made for the Irish outfit, the keeper has managed to claim a respectable total of 30 clean-sheets.

McGinty’s arrival may force Stevens and Eastwood to step up their performance levels in the new campaign as Oxford look to challenge for a top-six finish in League One.

Providing