CHAIRMAN Darryl Eales has confirmed Oxford United’s minimum valuation for in-demand forward Kemar Roofe this summer is £3m.

Leeds United have been heavily linked with the 23-year-old, who was named Sky Bet League Two player of the year after a superb 2015/16 season.

Reports in Yorkshire suggested the Sky Bet Championship club may be deterred from making a formal offer, with a £3m figure mentioned.

It is almost twice United’s record transfer fee received – which stands at the £1.6m Leicester City paid for Matt Elliott in 1997 – but Eales revealed it is the scale of bid required for them to think twice about parting company with Roofe.

He told the Oxford Mail: “To be fair that’s always been my minimum number for Kemar.

“He’s got two more years on his contract and there’s no pressure on Michael to sell anyone.

“If someone comes in with a valuation that matches ours we will think about it, but no-one has.”

It is understood West Bromwich Albion, from whom Roofe left a year ago to sign for Appleton, would be owed a significant chunk of any fee, which may influence United’s determination to keep their man.