Oxford Mail

The 20-year-old striker joined Oxford United on a season-long loan last week, and in addition to making 17 appearances for the Spurs first team, Scarlett scored 12 goals in 14 games for the England Under-19s, and six in 16 matches for the Under-20s.

Scarlett has also had loans stints with Portsmouth and Ipswich Town.

READ ALSO: Spurs loanee on learning from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min

U’s head coach Buckingham said: “It’s great that Tottenham have trusted us with his development. He’s a young, exciting English centre forward with a lot of caps for the England age group teams.

“Anyone that’s been fortunate to watch him in that space, he’s certainly showcased his power and what he’ll bring to us.

“His experience in the last two years when he’s gone out on loan, he probably hasn’t got as many games as he’d have wanted, and the way that hopefully he can here, that’s the platform we’ll try and provide for him.

“There’s a lot of history in terms of this club helping develop young players, with Fin Stevens being the latest off that conveyor belt for loans.

“We’ve also got a good track record of working and developing our own. You only have to look at people like Tyler Goodrham and the others that have come through of late, so hopefully it’s a good breeding ground and environment for him to develop, while aiding us to get where we want to get to.”

The 20-year-old striker arrived at Oxford United on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur last week, and made his debut as a late substitute in the 3-2 defeat at Coventry City.

Scarlett is a Spurs academy graduate and has made 17 appearances for the first time, while also having loan spells at Portsmouth and Ipswich Town.

He made his Spurs debut under Jose Mourinho in November 2020, coming on as a substitute in a 4-0 win against Bulgarian side Ludogorets in a Europa League group stage clash.

His debut saw him become Spurs’ youngest ever player, although that accolade has since been taken from him.

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Scarlett said: “Harry Kane taught me a lot. Just watching him every day, you can see the quality that he has, and that is amazing what it can do for you.

“I’d also say Sonny. He’s great with both feet, a leader, and everything that he does is amazing.

“The things that you wouldn’t really look at are also a big thing. The way he works is amazing, and off the ball, he’s so good.

“Jose gave me my debut. He was good, and I’ll always be thankful for him giving me my debut.”

The U’s reportedly beat interest from fellow Sky Bet Championship side Sunderland, plus others, to Scarlett’s signature.

However, after speaking to United head coach Des Buckingham, the striker was certain as to his next loan move.

He said: “I had a few options, but I saw this opportunity as the best for me, so that’s why I decided Oxford.

“I spoke to the manager here, and a few other managers, and Des came across the best for me, so I was looking forward to coming.

“There’s healthy competition, and everything’s for the team. It’s a long season with a lot of games, and you have to be at it every week. You have to work hard in training, and success will come.

“I’m still young, I’m still learning the game, but I think it’s time now that I start playing consistently at this level, and hopefully progress further.”

Discussing his main strengths and attributes on the pitch, Scarlett said: “I’d say my movement in and around the area. I think I’m good at finishing, and I can link play and help create, as much as scoring myself.”

He added: “I’m really excited. Obviously the weekend was a little bit disappointing, but I think it’s been a good start for the group.

“If we keep the momentum going from the previous games, I think we’ll be alright.”

The 20-year-old is a Spurs academy graduate, and won’t be available tomorrow when the U’s welcome Peterborough United in the Carabao Cup.

He is though expected to be in contention when United visit Coventry City in Sky Bet Championship action on Friday night.

READ ALSO: Get unlimited U’s news in biggest flash sale of year

Scarlett made his Spurs debut in November 2020, coming on as a substitute in a 4-0 win against Bulgarian side Ludogorets in a Europa League group stage clash.

His debut saw him become Spurs’ youngest ever player, although that accolade has since been taken from him.

Scarlett made two more appearances during the 2020/21 season, and a further seven the following campaign.

In October 2021, he scored a penalty for Tottenham’s Under-21s in a 3-2 defeat against the U’s in the EFL Trophy.

Scarlett joined Portsmouth on a season-long loan for the 2022/23 campaign, and scored six times in 40 appearances across all competitions.

Last season, he spent time on loan at Ipswich Town, but was recalled by Spurs in December after making 12 appearances, all from the bench.

He featured six times for Spurs before the end of the campaign, and is contracted with the Premier League team until 2027.

United have reportedly beaten fellow Championship side Sunderland to Scarlett’s signature.

Reports suggest United are in talks to add the 19-year-old centre forward on loan, with Donley also attracting interest from other clubs in Sky Bet Championship, plus some sides in League One.

Donley made his senior Spurs debut as a late substitute for Brennan Johnson during a 3-3 draw at Manchester City in December.

READ ALSO: U’s boss on budget after Josh Murphy exit and the search for width

He was again a late substitute, this time for Son Heung-min, when Spurs beat Newcastle United 4-1 a week later.

Donley gained further experience from the bench as Tottenham beat Burnley 1-0 in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, and in a 3-2 win at home to Brentford at the end of January.

The left-footer was born in Northern Ireland and has been at Tottenham since the age of eight.