Denis Smith is hoping that goalkeeper Richard Knight will be an Oxford United player by the end of today, writes Mark Edwards.

United's boss has been trying to capture the 20-year-old since he impressed in two loan spells from Derby County at the end of last season.

And while Smith hopes he has secured a deal, will be sitting down today to talk to Knight and his agent to try and settle matters.

Knight's impressive form was one of the reasons United avoided relegation last season, but when he was released by Derby, there was interest from a number of other clubs, including local rivals Swindon Town. But Smith believes that a deal is done and it is only the finer points of the contract that need to be discussed.

"I have spoken to the player himself but this will be the first time that I've met the two of them together," Smith said. "Getting the two of them - both the player and his agent - together has ben very hard work to say the least. But I think I've done a deal and it's hopefully just a case of dotting the i's and crossing the t's!"