Oakes nearing Magpies exit?

Last updated : 23 May 2005 By Rob Davies
Rumours have been suggesting for sometime that Wycombe boss John Gorman was a keen admirer of the Notts playmaker, but it is only in recent days that those rumours appear to have gained substance - with the London press reporting that a deal is close to being struck between Wycombe and the Notts midfielder.

The 26-year-old even took a leaf out of Ashley Cole's book when he was reportedly spotted coming out of a hotel with the Chairboy's chief.

On your way, Stef?
However, on this occasion the talks were perfectly legal as Oakes' contract at Meadow Lane draws to a close next month.

And, with no new deal even close to being agreed, it seems certain that the playmaker has played his last game for Notts County.

Former England number two Gorman has been a big fan of Oakes ever since the midfielder netted a 30-yard wonderstrike when the two clubs' met at Adams Park earlier in the season.

The goal was by no means Oakes' only special strike this season, with stunning strikes against Grimsby (home and away), Yeovil and Swindon providing Magpies' supporters with some shreds of joy in an otherwise dreadful campaign.

Despite suffering a dip in his form mid-season, the former Leicester City man has generally been one of the Magpies' more impressive performers this term, netting six goals in total.

Unfortunately for new boss Gudjon Thordarson, Oakes isn't the only highly-rated Notts player whose future has been linked elsewhere, though.

Soon-to-be out of contract goalkeeper Saul Deeney was also rumoured to have been at Sheffield United in recent weeks, discussing the possibility of a move to the Blades.


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