Oxford United hope to bring 21-year-old English Sheffield United midfielder Alex Matos back to the club for a second period, but they face competition from League One side Rotherham United. Matos spent last season on loan with Oxford, making 21 appearances. He has featured only eight times for Sheffield United this season and is looking for more game time. Journalist Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon page that both clubs are keen to sign the player before Monday's transfer deadline, and that Oxford wants to add their former loanee to their midfield for the second half of the season. Matos, who has been capped twice for England's U20 side, joined Sheffield United in September 2025 and his contract runs until June 2028. Swedish club AIK have also been linked with the player, whose current valuation on Transfermarkt is €1.00m.