KYLE Edwards will have to prove his fitness before anything can be agreed beyond his deal until the end of the season with Oxford United.

The 25-year-old winger saw his Ipswich Town contract terminated by mutual consent last week, after spending the first half of the season on loan with the U’s, and joined United on Tuesday.

His loan move came to an end earlier this month, with a hamstring injury disrupting his time at the club.

Edwards initially made a blistering start to life with the U’s though, netting twice in four appearances, before suffering the hamstring injury during training at the end of September.

He briefly returned for the games against Cheltenham Town and Bolton Wanderers at the end of November, but a recurrence of the hamstring problem has ruled him out until the end of March.

READ AGAIN: Kyle Edwards signs Oxford United deal until end of the season

United head coach Des Buckingham said: “Kyle is an excellent re-signing for us. The way it’s all played out, we managed to get a loan move back from that, while also Kyle retains his rehabilitation, while re-signing him.

“If the timelines come together the way we hope and expect, both Marcus Browne and Kyle could come good and be ready to play at the end of March.

“That for me would be almost like two brand new signings outside of a window, and with five games in the league left to go, that could be the difference.”

Asked about the potential for a longer-term deal for Edwards, Buckingham responded: “That’s always there. It’s not something we’ll openly discuss until we’ve sorted it internally, but the good thing is Kyle is very happy at the club.

“He’s moved to the area and really enjoys being in Oxford. He’s really settled and I think the fans have taken to him, and I think he’s aware of that.

“It’s important now he focuses and we get him ready to get him back to the player we know he is, because he’ll be able to contribute heavily in those final five games, and hopefully a couple more if we can get him there.

“But then it’s about making sure when he comes back, he stays in, and that will put him in the best position to make a decision going forwards.”

Edwards came through the academy system at West Bromwich Albion, where he scored four times in 49 appearances across all competitions.

During his time at The Hawthorns, Edwards spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan at Exeter City in Sky Bet League Two.

He joined Ipswich in August 2021, netting three times in 62 games, and helped the club to promotion from League One last season.

The U’s have also added goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and forward Tyler Burey, on loan from Chelsea and Danish side Odense respectively, during the January transfer window.