Oxford United are set to receive a boost today when Luke Foster signs a new contract with the club.

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln City player, who impressed greatly in a short spell with United at the end of last season, will put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

U's boss Jim Smith, currently away on holiday, confirmed the signing.

He said: "Luke will travel down to Oxford and sign with Mick Brown (general manager). The lad's agreed the contract.

"He was due to do it yesterday, but he broke down en route!"

The 21-year-old defender had been a revelation at United after breaking into the side following his move in March from Stalybridge Celtic.

He impressed greatly when coming on as a second-half sub and scoring to seal a 2-0 victory at St Albans on April 14 which clinched United's place in the play-offs.

But he then missed the crunch play-off semi-final games against Exeter City after injuring his leg badly in the final Conference game at York.

X-rays revealed he had two undisplaced fractures in his fibula and he would also have missed the play-off final, had United won through to Wembley.

The injury is expected to heal fully by next season and Smith said he was pleased with the capture.

"We're delighted because Luke showed great promise last season," he added.

The Bald Eagle is understood to have concluded two or three other deals, with new signings likely to be ann- ounced later this month.

Agreements have been reached, but he wants to keep the signings under wraps - for the moment.

"There's plenty that's happened, but we don't want to release it yet," he said. "We're hoping in the next few weeks to be able to do so."