MATTY Taylor has completed a late deadline day move to Oxford United’s Sky Bet League One rivals Port Vale.

The 32-year-old joins Vale, who are a place and a point higher than United, on loan until the end of the season.

Taylor has scored 64 goals for his hometown club but struggled for form this season, finding the back of the net just six times in all competitions.

Only three of his goals this season have come in League One, two of which were in the 4-0 thrashing of Vale at the Kassam Stadium in November.

The striker is one of seven U’s players out of contract in the summer.

Taylor told the club website: “I have absolutely loved my time at Oxford and am so proud to have been there for two spells.

“It’s a club where I have a very special bond with the players, staff and fans and I wish them all nothing but the best.

“There are no hard feelings, it’s a football decision and one that I hope works for everyone. I am really excited to be linking up with Port Vale and can’t wait to get started.”

Head coach Karl Robinson added: “Matty is a fantastic character and his record here speaks for itself. But for one reason or another he hasn’t been his usual prolific self for us this season.

“We now have a number of options we want to look at in that position. We have just brought in two exciting young forwards, we have another coming through in Gatlin O’Donkor, we have Kyle Joseph, Billy Bodin is able to play centrally, and Sam Baldock and Marcus Browne are coming back to fitness.

“Matty still has that appetite for goals that he has always had so hopefully the move works for all of us.

“He leaves with the respect and love of everyone at the club and I have absolutely no doubt that he will be back at some stage, in some capacity.”