Oxford United join League One rivals in race for Premier League defender

Oxford United FC Sunderland AFC Wigan Athletic FC York City FC Football Sport

Oxford United have reportedly joined League One rivals Wigan Athletic in eyeing a move for Sunderland defender Zak Johnson.

The U's are in search of reinforcements following their relegation from the Championship last season, finishing 22nd above only Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Oxford lost 10 players at the end of their contracts last month and a further five names returned to their parent clubs following loan spells in OX4.

This has left United with only two senior centre backs in Ciaron Brown and Michal Helik, 21-year-old James Golding a third option for Matt Bloomfield.

York City's Zak Johnson lies on the pitch after the Enterprise National League match at the Crown Oil Arena, Rochdale (Image: Cody Froggatt/PA Wire)

Sunderland defender Johnson is apparently on the Yellows' radar after a successful loan spell with National League champions York City last season.

The Minstermen are keen to keep him at the York Community Stadium but will now face competition from League One clubs looking to offer the youngster an avenue up the EFL.

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Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

It is expected that the Black Cats will allow Johnson to depart the club this summer with it being a struggle to break into Regis Le Bris' first team.

The 21-year-old's contract is set to expire at the end of the month.

Johnson helped York to 13 clean sheets in his 25 league appearances and also managed one goal and two assists in the fifth tier.