Oxford United have announced the signing of Frenchman Jeremy Balmy on a deal until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old midfielder previously played for Division Three outfit Notts County, where he made three appearances for the Magpies before being released last month.

Balmy, who started his career at Le Havre, impressed several English clubs during his development at the Ligue 2 club before joining Notts County back in August 2013.

Oxford manager Michael Appleton revealed he had seen Balmy play earlier in his career and invited the young midfielder to train with the Us for the past fortnight.

“He has a lot of potential,” Appleton said.

“I saw him play for Birmingham against Coventry in a development game and he was outstanding and when we heard he was available we got him in so we could take a look at him over a few days.

“He has a good attitude, has fitted in straight away and deserves the chance to impress us over a longer period.”

Balmy, who watched Saturday’s entertaining 1-1 draw against Luton Town at the Kassam Stadium, added: “I have enjoyed my time here already.

“The players have made me feel very welcome and training has gone well.

“I am really looking forward to the next few months and want to work hard to make the most of the opportunity.”

However, the Frenchman will not be making his Yellows debut tomorrow night when United visit Accrington Stanley, but Balmy is poised to play in the development squad’s fixture away to Birmingham City on Wednesday instead.

Furthermore, John Campbell looks set for a surprise return to United after the club reopened talks with non-league side Jarrow Roofing.

The striker, who scored once in three appearances for the Us earlier this season, returned to his parent club following the expiration of his loan spell.

Oxford were expected to complete the permanent signing of Campbell during the January transfer window, but the Division Four club attempted to renegotiate the terms of the transfer which scuppered the move.

But after reopening talks over the weekend, the Shields Gazette reports that the 26-year-old is due to travel back to Oxford tomorrow morning.