OXFORD United have clinched a deadline day deal for Motherwell's left winger Marvin Johnson.

The 25-year-old has agreed a three-year contract, moving for an undisclosed fee with less than two hours remaining of the transfer window.

Johnson only arrived off the plane from Scotland at Heathrow at 7pm this evening, before completing a medical and finalising the paperwork at the Kassam Stadium.

He said: “It’s been going on for the past few weeks but I’ve just been trying to grind it out and hope something happened.

“Eventually it did and I’m very grateful for that.

“I’ve just had to keep my head down and keep getting the games out the way to help manoeuvre that.”

It marks a significant step for the U’s, who had made him their top target since Callum O’Dowda was sold to Bristol City in July.

Two bids were rejected earlier this month and with Motherwell valuing him at £1m Michael Appleton felt the deal was dead.

Even as late as last night United head coach described a successful move as “highly unlikely”, but Johnson had made it clear he wanted to leave Fir Park by handing in a transfer request on Monday.

Appleton spoke to chairman Darryl Eales this morning and they were able to come up with an offer which saw Motherwell agree to the deal.

The U’s boss said: “I had a few ideas around potentially what we might be able to do and be creative in going back with something to Motherwell.

“I had a long conversation early this morning with Darryl about what we could do and the potential I think Marvin has got going forward.

“That started the ball rolling really.”