KEITH Curle admits he is keeping tabs on the contract situation of Barrow's prolific ex-Carlisle United striker Andy Cook.

The Blues boss, whose side host Oxford in their final home game of the season today (Brunton Park, 3pm), says the 23-goal frontman is on his radar.

Cook, a leading goalscorer in the youth side at Carlisle before being released in 2011, is poised to give the National League side an answer on a contract offer that would make him their highest-paid player.

If the 25-year-old rejects their terms, clubs higher up the pyramid could make a move.

Curle said: "He [Cook] is somebody that's been flagged up to us.

"I know the [Barrow] manager, and I know the assistant manager [Gary Simpson], who had been doing work for us on player and team analysis when he was based down south.

"We have a fantastic working relationship with Barrow, we are trying to arrange a pre-season game with them as well, so we know about the player's availability, and the commitment he's got to the club, and the club's commitment to the player as well."

Curle said he has had "positive" meetings with two transfer targets as he plans for the 2016/17 campaign.

The United boss says he is keen to make an impact in the market after the season ends next weekend.

He said: "If you bring in quality with your first two or three, that sends a message out and other people take notice. If you make two or three statement signings, other people think, 'they're going for it, I want to get on board'."

The Blues manager, though, is also eager to see his side provide a tough test to an Oxford side who could be promoted this afternoon.

Michael Appleton's visitors, including the division's player of the year Kemar Roofe, will go up if they win and Bristol Rovers slip up at relegated York.

Oxford will bring the biggest travelling support for a Brunton Park league game all season, with chairman Darryl Eales treating fans to free hotdogs and drinks at the Magpie pub in Botcherby before the game.

Curle said: "I've read the reports about the chairman buying everybody drinks and hotdogs, and I'll make sure he knows he's not going to get credit, he's got to pay cash!

"It's fantastic gesture. It shows total unity with supporters and that's what we're trying to build at this club.

"Our season isn't over and the players know there needs to be pride, passion and commitment in every game we play.

"There won't be wholesale changes, though there might be one or two. I might not pick the team a lot of people turning up at the ground would pick. But that's the beauty of football. There'll probably be 1,400 people stood behind me in the Paddock who'll have a different opinion of me.

"I respect their opinion and I want them to turn up. I want to be their manager, they can carry on shouting at me and tell me I'm doing it wrong. Their opinion is valued and heartfelt, so is mine.

"I don't argue with them. I do my job."

Michael Raynes could rejoin the United squad having been given the all-clear to resume training after a head injury. Johnny Mullins is a doubt for the Us.