League One rivals Oxford United set to beat Sunderland to January 'target'

The former Reading midfielder, who has long been linked with a move to Wearside, has taken a step closer to leaving Feyenoord after being left out of the club’s mid-season training camp in Spain.

The Oxford Mail report Kelly was spotted in the stands at the Kassam Stadium watching their 4-1 FA Cup win over Hartlepool United at the weekend ahead of a proposed loan move.

They report: “Feyenoord midfielder Liam Kelly was believed to be watching from the stands on Saturday ahead of a proposed loan move.”

The 24-year-old only joined the Dutch giants from Reading last summer but has struggled to adapt to life in the Netherlands.

Sunderland and MK Dons had been credited with a strong interest along with Oxford United who look set to land his signature.