OXFORD United have made their first move on transfer deadline day by signing Todd Kane on loan from Chelsea until the end of the campaign.

The right back was recalled yesterday from a season-long loan in the Netherlands with Groningen.

Kane, 24, has never appeared for Chelsea’s senior side but has made more than 100 appearances in six loan spells elsewhere.

The signing capped a whirlwind 24 hours, which involved packing up his belongings and a 400-mile drive.

He said: “It’s the first time it’s happened for me (on deadline day).

“There was a lot of travelling and with everything that’s been going on it’s come round really quick. I’m happy to be back in England.

“There was other interest. I’m 24 and have a good CV.

“But I felt that to come back to England this was the right club for me so I could get my head down and concentrate.”

Capped by England at under-19 level, he has played in Sky Bet League One with Preston North End and Bristol City, while the defender has also appeared in the Championship for Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest.

He missed most of the last campaign with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but has made 12 appearances for Groningen this season. 

The deal brings the number of United’s loan signings to five – the maximum which can be included in an 18-man matchday squad.

Gino van Kessel, Alex Mowatt, Isaac Buckley Ricketts and Ashley Smith-Brown are the club’s other short-term deals.