Oxford's Mills 'will join Preston in January'

Oxford United head coach Aaron Ramsey has confirmed that a deal has been agreed for Stanley Mills to join Championship side Preston North End in January.

The U's winger has been linked with a move this summer and will now leave the Kassam Stadium, but not until the winter window.

Oxford are currently under a temporary transfer embargo which they hope to have removed before January.

Ramsey expects Mills to play for the club until they can find a replacement for him after their current restrictions on signings have been lifted.

"He's agreed a deal to go to Preston in January," Ramsey told BBC Radio Oxford.

"It's far from ideal being one day before the beginning of the season but what it does mean is that we get Stan now for the next four or five months.

"Then in January we can be really aggressive in the market and strengthen our squad but for me now, having worked with Stan over the last six weeks he's showed me the professionalism that he has.

"He'll be wanting to put in performances for the fans, but also for 20 of his mates in that locker room as well."

Right-sided attacker Mills joined Oxford from Everton in January 2025 following an earlier loan spell and has scored five goals, with 10 assists, in 84 appearances for the U's.

Last season he played 43 times in the Championship, scoring three goals, with four assists, as Oxford were relegated to League One.

Ramsey's side start the new league season on Saturday with a home match against MK Dons.