Oxford United have announced their first summer signing with the addition of defender Jonathan Meades on a two-year deal. The 21 year-old, who can also play anywhere along the midfield, joins United after having his contract terminated at League One side AFC Bournemouth earlier this week. Meades joins both Deane Smalley and Scott Davies in signing new deals at the Kassam Stadium, after the duo extended their stay after sealing one-year deals.

A Welsh Under-21 international, Meades came through the youth system at soon to be Premier League outfit Cardiff City before joining the Cherries in 2012 following a successful trial. He spent most of the last campaign on loan at fellow Division Four side AFC Wimbledon where he made 26 appearances for the Dons, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

Manager Neil Ardley admitted his interest in signing the young left-back on a permanent basis, but has chosen to move to United after the club released two full-backs in Tony Capaldi and Liam Davis earlier this month. Meades has five Wales international caps to his name at Under-17 and Under-21 levels, and was part of the Welsh squad that defeated Moldova in their European Championship 2015 qualifying stages.

Boss Chris Wilder was delighted to seal deals for the trio: “Scott and Deane are good players with points to prove and are both hungry for success.

“Jonathan is a player who has always been very highly rated and did very well last season at this level. He is a strong player, has a decent pedigree and we feel he will make a very positive impact here at Oxford next season.”