Mansfield Town are set to lose £1,000,000 starlet Jamie McDonnell.
The Northern Irishman joined the Stags on loan from Nottingham Forest this summer.
However, it seems that his hard work in Mansfield has been noticed by Oxford United.
The Championship outfit in contact with The Tricky Trees, to bring McDonnell in permanently.
Oxford are also prepared to push past the seven‑figure mark to secure him permanently.
Mansfield have benefited from his breakout season, but they have no control over the deal. The club are powerless as one of their standout performers is poised to move up the pyramid.
For the Stags, it’s a harsh reminder of the risks of relying on loan talent. For Oxford, it’s a chance to snap up one of League One’s most exciting young midfielders.
Two new faces in Jamie Donley and Myles Peart-Harris have arrived in OX4 already this month, however both are more attack-minded midfielders, leaving United still in need of that more defensive player in the middle.
Jamie McDonnell is still currently out on loan at Mansfield, meaning he would be recalled if a deal between the U’s and Forest was to be completed.
Alan Nixon reports that Oxford are close to confirming the player who was on loan at one of Bloomfield‘s former clubs Colchester United.
The U’s are set to face Bristol City at the Kassam on Saturday in the 41-year-old’s first game as he looks to steer them out of the relegation zone.
Oxford currently sit 23rd in the league table on 22 points, three points from safety.
Recruitment becomes the next critical question. Replacing a midfielder with McDonnell’s blend of energy, intelligence, and composure is not straightforward, especially mid‑season.
Mansfield may need to promote from within until a suitable replacement arrives. Either route carries risk, and both will test the squad’s adaptability.
Mansfield Town are currently sitting 12th in League One, with 32 points from 23 matches.
Their record of 9 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses places them firmly in mid‑table, a position that reflects both competitiveness and inconsistency.
A goal difference of +3 shows they are capable of scoring and staying in games, but they are not yet imposing themselves on the division.
The table around them is tight, which means a short run of victories could push them toward the top half, while a poor spell could drag them closer to the lower reaches.
This middle‑ground position makes squad stability crucial, because any disruption in key areas of the pitch can quickly shift momentum in either direction.
