Oxford United have sealed the signing of Peterborough United striker Kyle Vassell on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has scored five goals in 21 appearances for the Division Three side this season, all coming in the opening eight games of the season.

Vassell came through the youth set ups at Norwich City and Brentford, before dipping into non-league by penning permanent transfers to Sutton United and Chelmsford City.

However; after scoring 16 goals in as many games in an explosive start to life at Bishop’s Stortford, Peterborough snapped up the forward in November 2013.

Vassell becomes manager Michael Appleton’s 24^th signing since arriving at the Kassam Stadium last summer and is eligible to make his Oxford debut against Carlisle United on Saturday.

Appleton said: “We’re delighted to have Kyle join us.

“He has scored goals wherever he has been and with some big games coming up we feel he will give us a little extra impetus and that bit more competition for the remaining matches.”

Vassell’s arrival means striker Armand Gnanduillet and midfielder Giorgio Rasulo return to their parent clubs Chesterfield and Milton Keynes Dons respectively, with both players accumulating only a handful of substitute appearances between them.

Appleton added: “They are good lads and we wish them well for the future.

“Neither of them has been able to get much game time so it’s fair on all parties if they return to their clubs.”

And lastly, Oxford midfielder Jeremy Balmy has joined Conference North outfit Oxford City on a one-month loan deal.

The Frenchman has struggled with injuries since joining United from Notts County back in February, failing to feature for Appleton’s men so far this campaign.

Balmy is now fully fit and joins City, who sit eighth in the table, for their remaining six games of the season as Justin Merritt’s side push for the play-offs.

“Jeremy needs time on the pitch so this works well for us,” Appleton said.

“He will train with us in the week and we can monitor his progress in matches at City so that works well for all concerned.”