FORMER Swindon Town striker Jonathan Obika has penned a two-year deal with local rivals Oxford United, following his release from the club last month.

The 26-year-old was offered a new deal by Town, with his contract expiring at the end of June, but turned down the offer in favour of a move to the Kassam Stadium.

Obika, who signed permanently for Swindon in September 2014 for a reported £200,000 from Tottenham Hotspur, having had a loan spell at the County Ground in 2011, made 105 appearances over the two spells, scoring 28 goals.

Negotiations about a move began while Michael Appleton was in charge at the U’s, but were put on hold until the managerial uncertainty was cleared up.

However Pep Clotet, who was appointed last Saturday, approved the deal earlier this week and the formalities on the deal, with United having an additional 12-month extension, were completed yesterday.

Obika said: “I’m delighted to have signed. It’s a club that is going places, especially with the new manager coming in and I’m happy to be part of it.

“Obviously there is a rivalry with Swindon but people have made the move before and done well.

“All I want to do is come here, work as hard as possible in every game and look to score goals in a successful season.”

Obika, who will be part of the United squad that takes on Oxford City on Saturday in their opening pre-season friendly, added: “I had a word with both managers (Appleton and Clotet).

“They shared the same desire for the club. You could see it was only going one way – and that’s to the top.

“I felt it was important I spoke to the new manager and you could tell why he’s been at the top level.

“That was a big pull.”

Clotet said: “We have a really good recruitment team here and Jon is someone the club has been monitoring for a while.

"He has great pedigree, is able to play in a number of positions and gives us options up front, so we are very pleased that he has agreed to join us.’’