Oxford have finally, after almost three weeks of waiting, received international clearance to sign Argentine midfielder Juan Pablo Raponi. The 24-year-old, who was sought after by Lazio a couple of seasons ago, has joined on loan from River Plate until the end of the current season, although Oxford apparently have an option to buy him when the loan expires. Presumably this will depend to some extent on whether Ramon Diaz remains at the club. Raponi goes straight into the squad for the Cheltenham game.

In another contractual development, 19-year-old striker Craig Davies has signed his first professional contract, tieing him to United until the end of the 2005/06 season. Davies had made a flying start to his United career, scoring on his full debut, and with five goals in his first ten starts. This form has earned him a call-up to the Wales under-21 squad, where he was a non-playing substitute, and has also brought the scouts flocking to the KasStad, with Sunderland allegedly among the most interested. The signing of his contract will, for now at least, allay fears that he is imminently to leave the club for a more illustrious career elsewhere.

Slightly less newsworthy, but This Is Bath reports that 18-year-old winger Luke Gullick is having a trial with Oxford. Gullick is currently leading scorer with Screwfix Direct Division 1 side Biddestone, with 11 goals from 26 games. Biddestone lie second from bottom of the table, five points ahead of Shepton Mallet, but six below Westbury United.

One player who has received less happy news is midfielder Mark E’Beyer. Mark was diagnosed with testicular cancer after feeling a lump in his balls, but treatment appears to have been successful in removing it. However, it will still be another six weeks before E’Beyer can resume training, and he has still to receive the final all-clear. Our best wishes go out to him. Former United defender Scott McNiven, who had a similar scare, has now resumed training with Mansfield Town.