OXFORD United made a major move in the transfer market by landing the highly-rated Cameron Brannagan.

They paid an undisclosed fee, believed to be five figures, to bring the 21-year-old midfielder from Liverpool.

He signed a three-and-a-half year deal which looks good business for United, who have followed up on their promise of bringing in young talent to strengthen Pep Clotet’s squad during January.

Brannagan had been at Liverpool since he was five and made nine appearances under Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp.

But his only first-team action since 2016 has come on loan at Fleetwood Town last season.

As difficult as it was to part company with the club, the length of contract at United shows his commitment to the next stage of his career.

He said: “I was there 16 years and went through every single age group.

“I made a lot of friends there and it was a sad moment to say goodbye.

“But to push on in my career, I can’t be sitting around much longer hoping and waiting for that opportunity – I need to go and get it with both hands.

“Oxford have given me that chance and I’m going to work my hardest to hopefully win as many things as possible.”

United see the cultured Brannagan as a replacement for John Lundstram and tried to sign him last summer.

When he meets the squad this morning there will be a familiar face in the form of Ryan Ledson, although this will be the first time they are on the same side.

He said: “Ryan Ledson was at Everton when I was at Liverpool, so you can imagine what that was like.

“There were a few arguments, but it’s done now.”

Clotet was thrilled the U’s were able to strike a deal.

He said: “Cameron is a player with huge potential and someone that a lot of clubs have been monitoring for a long time.

“He has excellent technique, a good understanding of game and a real hunger to do well.

“One thing I really liked when I spoke to him was his ambition to play and come here and show people what he can do.

“We believe that he will be an excellent fit for what we are building here.”