Oxford United boss Ian Atkins has been in negotiations with Tranmere's experienced defender Steve Yates.

The 32-year-old Bristolian was released by the Birkenhead club at the end of this season and has been down to The Kassam Stadium for talks.

Other clubs, among them Sheffield United and Bristol City, are also in the hunt for the defender, who began his career at Bristol Rovers and who can play at centre back or right back.

Atkins, who says the full back areas are among his priorities to fill this summer, sees him more as a right back.

"He's been down and we've had a good chat," Atkins confirmed.

"He's got a lot of experience and there are other clubs in for him. I'll be speaking to quite a few players over the next few weeks." Yates has a reputation for being a calm and reliable player in the defence. Solid and with a no-nonsense approach, he is very effective in the air, both at the back and when moving forward to help out in attack.

He contributed two stunning headers in Tranmere's 3-0 victory over Everton in the FA Cup in the 2000-2001 season.

After joining Bristol Rovers as a trainee, he made 238 appearances for the Pirates before a £650,000 move to QPR in 1993.

At Loftus Road, he made 149 appearances, in the Premiership, Football League and cups, before going on a free transfer to Tranmere in 1999.

He has turned out more than 100 times for the Prenton Park club.

Atkins has also lined up talks with two second division players for later this week.