“I’m not leaving,” Tyler Goodrham, a midfielder for Oxford United, said in response to several rumours that he was departing five minutes ago. According to Sky Sports, he has extended his contract at Kassam Stadium because he aspires to manage Oxford United.

Oxford United sent clear Tyler Goodrham transfer demand as Coventry, Middlesbrough and Southampton circle

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Oxford United will be looking to consolidate and establish themselves in the Championship after securing survival against all odds under Gary Rowett in the 2024/25 campaign, which was their first in the second-tier in more than 20 years.

The U’s survival ambitions were fancied by few, but they eventually ended up retaining their Championship status following the mid-season appointment of Rowett, who kept the side afloat in 17th position and four points above 22nd-placed Luton Town.

They may, however, have to prepare for the following Championship campaign without Tyler Goodrham. On Monday afternoon, FLW exclusively revealed interest in the 21-year-old’s signature from second-tier trio Coventry City, Middlesbrough and Southampton ahead of a potential move this summer.

Goodrham, who is tied to a “long-term contract” at the Kassam Stadium, is a graduate of the Oxford academy and has already accumulated close to 150 senior appearances for his boyhood club.

The versatile playmaker has operated in both wide positions alongside his favoured attacking midfield role, and registered three strikes and six assists for the U’s in 24/25 after his 10-goal haul helped them to promotion from League One the season before.

Goodrham’s profile, age and long-term potential all mean he will be viewed as a prized asset by Oxford, but supporters are wondering exactly what it could take for the talented prospect to be snatched away in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Oxford United told how much they should sell Tyler Goodrham for amid Coventry, Middlesbrough, Southampton interest

FLW asked our U’s fan pundit, Luke Nigel, whether he believes Oxford should be building around Goodrham or if he should be cashed in on at the right price, and if so, exactly what that fee could look like.

In Luke’s view, Goodrham has not been quite as effective since Rowett’s appointment back in December, and he has argued that a figure to the tune of £3 million – albeit with significant add-on and sell-on incentives – could represent a fair sum for the Oxford winger.

“Coventry, Southampton and Middlesbrough are all interested in Tyler Goodrham, and this is a transfer story that has really split the Oxford United fanbase,” Luke told FLW.

“The 21-year-old has close to 150 senior appearances in the Football League, featuring 41 times last season and picking up nine goal contributions. It’s clear to see why some of these top clubs are looking at a player like Goodrham.

“The reason why this one is splitting the fanbase is because there’s a big question over Goodrham and whether he fits into the system Gary Rowett wants to play. A lot more of his goal contributions came earlier in the season under Des Buckingham, where he was playing a slightly more central role.

“However, under Rowett, he has found himself wide-left most of the time, where he is trying to cut in on his right foot but it just hasn’t quite clicked.

“However, towards the end of the season he was starting to find his feet and be a bit more effective in games.

“Another part of this deal which is splitting the fans is the price tag. Everyone seems to have a different valuation of Goodrham, and I think that is because we all know he has pockets of Championship quality in there, it’s just about how consistently you can get it out.

“For me, the fee would have to be around the £3 million mark with add-ons as well, and a somewhat-hefty percentage for future sell-ons. Some fans seem to disagree and think the price tag should be sitting more towards the £6-7 million mark, and I don’t quite see that yet for a player who only got nine goal contributions in his first season in the Championship.