OXFORD United’s reputation for attractive football proved the key to Jack Payne dropping two divisions to sign a season-long loan deal.

The 22-year-old made his debut as a substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Leeds United, but will only train with his new teammates for the first time today, having completed his move from Huddersfield Town on Friday afternoon.

Bringing in a player who featured in half of the Terriers’ Sky Bet Championship games on their way to promotion last season is a coup for Pep Clotet’s side.

While Payne was realistic about his chances being limited to play in the Premier League this season, a loan move to a Championship club was thought to be his most likely destination.

But for the diminutive midfielder, the division was less important than the style of football, which saw United win the race.

Payne said: “It’s more about coming to a team who have a good philosophy which is similar to what I’m used to and speaking to Pep that was how I felt.

“It’s a similar formation and the way he sees the game suits me.

“Maybe I could have joined a team who doesn’t play good football, but then there’s no point in me playing.

“For me it’s about being in a good team with good players.

“They’ve got a good following, I know that, so everything was pointing in the right direction for me to join.”

United’s recruitment of Payne was also assisted by an inside man in David Wagner’s squad.

The new signing said: “I spoke to Dean Whitehead who said it was a great area – everyone who spoke about Oxford only had positive things to say.

“It’s a lot further south which is obviously on the way home, which is good for me.

“I’m only probably just over an hour from where my family are based and where I grew up (in London), so that was another positive factor for me in coming.”

Payne arrives at United light on match fitness after being used sparingly by Huddersfield in pre-season.

But the former Southend United player does not think it will take long for him to get up to speed as he bids to get in the mix for the Sky Bet League One opener at Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

He said: “I’ve played a little bit, not as much as I would’ve liked, but there are loads of games coming up which hopefully I feature in. Of course you’re never guaranteed to play every game, but hopefully I’ve got a good chance to play if I do well.”