STEPHAN Negru has extended his deal with Oxford United after a summer window which saw him linked with a move to the Premier League.
The 21-year-old’s previous contract was due to expire next summer, however the U’s have announced that he has signed a new ‘longer-term deal’ with the club.
Negru’s form this season saw him attract reported interest from Brighton & Hove Albion, something United head coach Liam Manning described as ‘just noise’.
READ AGAIN: Liam Manning dismisses transfer rumours as ‘just noise’
After committing his future to United, Negru told the club website: “It was an easy decision. I love being at the club, they have been great with me.
“It was a big step to come over from Ireland but the club have made me feel so at home, the fans have been brilliant and I definitely want to be part of what the gaffer is building here.”
Manning added: “We talk about depth of squad and people being ready when called upon. Stephan is a fantastic example of that.
“He had to be a little bit patient but he has seized his opportunity and has so much potential.
“He wants to learn and pushes himself to be better but along with that work ethic he is also a terrific competitor. It’s great news to see him commit his future to the club.”
Negru follows Simon Eastwood and Gatlin O’Donkor in signing new contracts with the U’s this summer.
Head of recruitment Ed Waldron said: “We saw him play in Ireland many times and knew he was a big strong lad, very good in the air and very brave.
“But it’s only when you see him work with the coaches and manager each day in training that you realise he also has that fantastic winning mentality and determination.
“We worked hard to bring in 11 new players this summer but it was equally important for us to keep outstanding young players like Stephan and Gatlin at the club. I’m sure the fans will be just as excited at the news as we are.”
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