OXFORD United are confident of wrapping up a deal for Mike Williamson by the start of next week.

The experienced former Newcastle United defender is a free agent and has been with the U’s on trial for a fortnight.

He was included on their pre-season training camp to Portugal last week and met manager Pep Clotet after Wednesday night’s friendly defeat against Brentford.

The U’s boss was immediately interested in the 33-year-old and is now in a position to offer the centre back a contract.

While loose ends are unlikely to be tied up before the weekend, the club are optimistic.

Clotet said: “I think he’s the kind of player who will help us and we are the kind of club that can help him.

“These kind of situations are very practical for both sides.

“I will be very happy for him to join us, because I think he can add a lot of things and give us a lot of positive experience.

“He can be an important player in us building from the back and at the same time I think we would be a very good club for him as well.

“I have the feeling he is happy with us, as much as we’re happy with him.

“From our side, we are very keen on working together.”

Williamson has yet to feature for United, having picked up some minor aches and pains early last week in Portugal.

It limited his time on the training pitch, although he is believed to be on the verge of a return.

Some supporters have questioned whether Williamson is needed.

He has made only 13 appearances in the last two seasons and the U’s already have four specialist centre backs in the squad.

But James Henry, who was a teammate of Williamson’s at Wolverhampton Wanderers before they were released this summer, believes he would be an asset.

The midfielder said: “Mike’s a fantastic player and a fantastic pro.

“With his experience of playing in the Premier League and Championship I think it will really help some of the younger boys at the back because he talks very well.

“He will be good for the dressing room if we can get that signing over the line.”