Atkins: Basham going nowhere

Oxford United manager Ian Atkins has made it clear that striker Steve Basham is not for sale.

The U's boss was responding to enquiries from Third Division rivals Swansea City regarding the availability of the former Southampton and Preston North End hit-man.

Swans director of football Brian Flynn was hopeful he could persuade the 26-year-old to consider a move to The Vetch, even though The Swans are not in as good a position for promotion from Division Three as the Kassam Stadium club are at present.

Despite the South Wales club's interest in Basham, Atkins has ruled out making any deal to sell his top scorer while revealing his admiration for Swansea striker Lee Trundle.

"I'm aware that Swansea made an enquiry a couple of weeks ago," Atkins told the club's official website.

"To be honest, I wouldn't let Steve go. If you do that you might as well give up because he's the top scorer.

"It's great for him to know that people are taking an interest in him. He has the ability to go back into the First Division, and next year I think he will be even better.

"Brian Flynn knows a little bit about him from having him on loan at Wrexham. I'd do a deal with Brian - if we can have Trundle, I might consider it!

"Trundle was one I wanted at the start of the season to play alongside Basham, so I can see what Brian was thinking."