New midfielder Chris Hargeaves will add experience and know-how to Oxford United's midfield, says manager Brian Tal- bot.

The 33-year-old is expected to sign for the U's today, subject to a medical, if agreement can be reached with Brentford, whose boss Martin Allen described him as "a model professional".

Hargreaves still has one year left on his contract at Griffin Park, but has been told he can go.

He has agreed a two-year deal at Oxford, and joined in with training yesterday.

"I've got to speak to the chairman, and have got to speak to Brentford, but Martin Allen has already told me they're prepared to give him a free transfer," Talbot said last night.

The deal could not be completed yesterday, because U's secretary Mick Brown was at a Football League secretaries meeting in Leicester.

And, in any case, contrary to a report on the Brentford website, Hargreaves has not yet had a medical at United. This may not happen until later in the week.

Previously with Grimsby, Hull, West Brom, Hereford, Plymouth and Northampton, the 5ft 11in midfielder has made more than 480 league and cup appearances.

And Talbot believes he will be a vital addition to the Oxford United squad.

"He's a player who knows the job. He's an experienced player who's been in play-offs, and who has been successful, he's a winner," said Talbot.

"He's also a left-footer, and we haven't got many left-footers in the team. There's only really Matt Robinson."

Just like previous boss Ian Atkins, it seems Talbot has made a determined effort to bring in mentally-strong, experienced players, who have achieved success before, to try to get United out of League Two.

"We want to bring Chris's experience here," said Oxford's boss.

"Ive brought in an experienced goalkeeper (Billy Turley), an experienced centre half (Chris Willmott), an experienced defender (Lee Mansell), and an experienced wide player (Stuart Gray). Now I've got an experienced midfielder.

"But more than trying to get players of a certain age, I've being trying to get players who know the job and know what it takes in this division.

"Of course you also need legs and enthusiastic running, but I believe we've got that as well."

Interestingly, Hargreaves has been given the No 10 shirt in the United squad numbers, displacing Lee Bradbury, who has moved to No 8.

Mansell has been handed No 2, but that was probably also partly because Talbot thought Dave Mackay may be leaving.

Talbot insisted: "The numbers mean nothing. Just because you've been given 1-11 that doesn't mean you're going to be starting the first game and even if you're 12-30 you could end up playing the whole season."