OXFORD United have signed Luke Garbutt on a season-long loan from Everton.

The 25-year-old left back completed the paperwork on the deal at Goodison Park this morning, before flying out to United’s training camp in Ireland.

Garbutt has played at every England age group from under 16 to under 21 and has five senior appearances for his parent club.

The bulk of his experience has come in other loan deals, with time spent at Cheltenham Town, Colchester United, Fulham and Wigan Athletic.

He fills a problem position for United, who had begun pre-season without a specialist left back.

U’s boss Karl Robinson said: “He is a very good player and I am flattered if I’m honest that he sees Oxford as the club to help him take his career forward.

“I was a little bit shocked really and want to thank both Luke and his agent for the way they have looked at this and seen it as an opportunity to play regular football and put football ahead of the financial considerations.

“That doesn’t always happen these days and has been refreshing.

“I know Luke spoke to Ryan Ledson who loved his time here, and Oxford have also helped John Lundstram and Jonjoe Kenny in recent years so Everton know he is coming to a club where we do things the right way.”