Oxford United star Ciaron Brown makes decision on his future amid Middlesbrough and Millwall links

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Next season could be a tough one for Gary Rowett at Oxford United, and after successfully avoiding relegation in 2024/25, they must now push on in the Championship.

Cameron Brannagan is a target for Leicester City, and keeping hold of the midfielder will be difficult this summer after he scored three goals in 33 games for the U’s.

Former Oxford boss, Des Buckingham, has been linked with a move to Cardiff City after he was sacked in December. While the decision to do so looked odd at the time, it paid off as Rowett steered the club to safety with games to spare.

Yet, the transfer window brings different challenges and Ciaron Brown has been the subject of Championship interest already this summer, but in a fresh twist, there is good news for the Oxfordshire outfit.

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Oxford United set to keep Ciaron Brown

Brown was excellent at centre-back for the U’s in 2024/25 following his side’s promotion to the Championship through the League One play-offs, and he was awarded the club’s Player of the Season award but rivals started to eye him up.

But EFL Analysis understands, thanks to information from our transfer expert Graeme Bailey, that Oxford United have seen off a host of Championship rivals to persuade Ciaron Brown to stay.

As we previously revealed, a host of clubs such as Millwall and Middlesbrough were keen on Brown. However, we now believe the Northern Ireland international is close to agreeing a new long-term deal with Gary Rowett’s side.

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Gary Rowett’s experience will be a huge pull for defenders

Surviving in their first season was key for Oxford’s long-term plans, and they know that they can now start to stabilise in the division. But keeping hold of key players such as Brown is vital.

Their manager, Rowett, has plenty of experience in managing teams with strong defences and he will expect the Yellows to continue that in 2025/26, especially if they do lose their leader in the middle of the pack in Brannagan.

Brown is crucial to the way that Oxford want to play, as he does not just provide that significant cover at the back, but he is also a threat from set pieces and he came up with important goals last season.

At 27, he is just entering his peak and a move to a club further up the table could have been the easy option. But there is an exciting project ongoing at the Kassam Stadium, and he will be a key part of that in the coming years.