Oxford United have bolstered their squad further ahead of their return to the Football League with midfielder Simon Heslop joining on a three-year deal from Barnsley.

The 23-year-old, who had previously played under boss Chris Wilder at Halifax, had been out of contract at Oakwell, and the U’s beat off Luton Town, where he was on loan for the last two months of last season, for his signature even though he was offered more money.

Heslop becomes Oxford’s seventh signing of the summer, following on from right back Ben Purkiss, midfielder Asa Hall, forwards Alfie Potter and Matt Green, left back Steven Kinniburgh and goalkeeper Simon Eastwood.

The lure of the Football League unquestionably helped bring Heslop to the Kassam Stadium.

He said: “I was at Luton the last couple of months of the season and did well there, so they were keen to sign me. But it was always important that I signed for a League club this year and that was my main aim.”

First-team opportunities had been rare at the Championship club, and after six different loans – to Tamworth, Northwich, Halifax, Grimsby, Kettering and the Hatters – over the past four seasons, Heslop was not unhappy to get away permanently.

“I’d been at Barnsley since I was 13, which is a long time,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a fresh start, I don’t have any regrets leaving there.”

A central midfielder who can be quite creative, Heslop is likely to provide useful competition next season to Adam Murray, who will be returning after a minor back operation.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas said United were pleased to get him, and beat off competition to do so.

“I think he had a great spell at Luton and they were very keen to sign him, but the lure of the Football League was important to him.

“He turned down some other offers that were much more lucrative, but he’s been down here and seen this club’s ambition and obviously Chris (Wilder) knows him from his time at Halifax.”

Heslop has played once before at the Kassam Stadium, for Tamworth in 2006. He made just one appearance for Barnsley last season, but when he joined Luton in March, the Bedfordshire side then went on a sensational run of seven straight wins.

United’s assistant manager, Mickey Lewis, said: “When he went to Luton, their form went through the roof.

“We’ve seen him play, he’s a good footballer, energetic – he’s got a bit of everything really. He’s a good size and he’s just a really good acquisition.”