Right back Andrew Whing said it was the ambition of Oxford United that made up his mind to complete the switch from Leyton Orient.

Whing, 26, who can also play at left back, centre back and in midfield, will sign a two-year deal with the U’s when his contract with the League One side expires in the summer.

“It’s a lovely stadium and they have good ambition, which fits in perfectly with me,” said Birmingham-born Whing, who becomes boss Chris Wilder’s third capture of the summer.

“I came along today and met the management and it is clear that they are geared towards promotion. Everyone is ambitious here and we all have one goal and that’s to go up.

“Oxford are definitely capable of going up. They weren’t too far away this season.

“But I will not take my place for granted – I just want to play as many games as I can.”

Whing, who made 100 appearances for Coventry, before joining Brighton in 2007 where he played 91 times, says he believes he has the experience and the qualities to help United reach League One.

“I do like to get forward. I scored a couple goals last season, but first and foremost, I’m a defender. What people will find is that I never give up.”

He had no hesitation in agreeing to join the U’s after rejecting a one-year deal at Orient.

“I first knew of the interest when my agent contacted me the day after the season finished,” Whing added.

“The contract offer from Oxford was good for me and my family. It means I can live at home in Birmingham and won’t have to take them all over the country.”

Wilder said: “I signed him because of his CV and what people in the game told me – the managers he has worked for and what he can bring to the club.

“He has started off in the Championship and has played in League One. He was player-of-the-year at Brighton.

“The big thing for me is his experience and consistency. He’s a solid player and gives his all. Consistency is what we are looking for this season.

“When we are looking to bring in players, we want to get players that can make us better. And Andy clearly does that.”