Oxford United are close to completing a deal to bring Scottish midfielder Derek Townsley to the Kassam Stadium.

The versatile 6ft 5in player, who can operate up front as well as in midfield - and has also played at sweeper - has been released by Hibernian.

Sources in Scotland say that, although Aberdeen and Falkirk have shown strong interest in him, Townsley is keen to have a stab at English football and he has already been involved in talks with Oxford boss Ian Atkins.

Townsley, 30, is understood to have been offered a one-year deal by U's chairman Firoz Kassam, but wants a two-year contract if he is to move south.

Townsley said: "Oxford have made me a very good offer and everything should be signed and sealed next week.

"I went down and spoke to their manager earlier this week and I have been very impressed with their whole set-up.

"Falkirk also made me an offer and Aberdeen were also very keen, but I decided after four seasons in the Premier League I wanted to try something different.

"I know I am dropping down to the third division, but Oxford are a very ambitious side. They have just moved to a new stadium, only just missed out on the play-offs last season and are determined to gain promotion next season.

"That was the main reason why I agreed to the move."

Carlisle-born Townsley joined Hibernian from Motherwell two years ago after starting his career with Queen of the South, where he hit 18 goals in 51 league games.

He continued to score goals at Motherwell, netting six in 38 league appearances, and at Easter Road he has found the net nine times in 22 starts.

He struck four goals last season and had a purple patch where he scored against Rangers, in a 4-2 defeat at Easter Road, then netted twice against his old club Motherwell at Fir Park and also grabbed one of the goals in a thrilling 4-4 derby draw with Hearts.