Oxford United midfielder Sam Deering has signed for League Two rivals Barnet on a free transfer.

The winger, who made 29 starts and 36 substitute appearances for the U’s, scored four times during his career.

The 20-year-old Londoner, who had spells as a youth-team player with both Chelsea and Charlton, joined United’s academy in 2006.

He helped set up United’s third goal for Alfie Potter in their 3-1 win against York in the Blue Square Premier play-off final at Wembley last May.

Deering has shown himself to be an outstanding young talent.

But he is thought not to have shown the same application and determination to get back into the first team as others, which has proved frustrating for the coaching staff.

Last October, Deering was put on the transfer list.

After rejecting a move to Conference side Kidderminster Harriers, he later spent a week’s trial with League One club Leyton Orient.

On his return he was sent on loan to Blue Square Bet Premier League side Newport County until January.

Deering’s first-team opportunities have been limited and he did not help his cause by turning up late for the meet-up point before the match at Wycombe in August.

It was his second offence – the other time was a reserve game.

Deering was also disciplined by the club before for posting a Facebook comment that was considered racially insulting.

In February he was loaned to Barnet where he played 14 games, scoring twice.

There is a sell-on clause built into the deal, meaning Oxford United will receive a percentage of any transfer fee should Barnet sell Deering.

If the move, which is subject to a medical, goes ahead he would become new manager Lawrie Sanchez’s first signing.

“I think joining Barnet is going to be good for me and I am looking forward to getting games under my belt,” said Deering.

“Hopefully, we can do well this season under Lawrie and Giuliano Grazioli.

“I enjoyed my spell on loan from February until the end of the season and I can say that I got on well with everybody.”

Sanchez said: “We are pleased to have Sam on board.

“We hope he can do with us what he did at the end of last season and become a fans’ favourite at Underhill as he did at Oxford.

“Hopefully, we will give Sam a platform to build his career.”

United declined to comment.