Oxford placed under summer transfer embargo by EFL

Oxford say that their focus this summer will be to retain their current group of players [Getty Images] Oxford United have been placed under a temporary transfer embargo by the English Football League, preventing them from making summer signings. New boss Aaron Ramsey took charge just over a fortnight ago but must now make do with the existing players at his disposal at the relegated side. The League One club say their focus is on retaining the "extremely competitive squad already in place", adding they are confident the embargo will be lifted by the January window. Oxford will be unable to register new players in the current window because they are not compliant with the EFL's salary cost management protocol (SCMP) regulations. SCMPs are the financial fair play rules for all League One and League Two clubs, setting limits on the proportion of a club's turnover and funding that can be spent on player-related costs. "Following relegation and with rule changes, the club have been working to align their financial position with the reporting requirements of League One," Oxford said in a statement. "With a commitment from shareholders to increase investment into Oxford United over the coming months, along with measures to reduce overall costs, the club will be compliant and in a strong position ahead of the January transfer window. "The club have an extremely competitive squad already in place and the focus this summer will be on retaining those players that give Aaron Ramsey and his staff the strongest group possible to deliver success on the pitch this season." Oxford are back in League One following two campaigns in the Championship, having been relegated in April and eventually finishing 22nd. Ramsey was appointed as Oxford's head coach in late June as his first permanent role in football management. He was previously interim boss at Cardiff City. Oxford parted company with former head coach Matt Bloomfield three days before Ramsey's appointment. They will get their season under way with a Carabao Cup match at Leyton Orient on 8 August before a league opener at home to MK Dons seven days later. Oxford United