OXFORD United’s deadline day is up and running after they announced the return of Marcus Browne on a permanent deal.

The two-time loanee has signed a two and a half-year contract, with the option of an extra 12 months, after joining from Sky Bet Championship side Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

Browne is a familiar face at United after scoring 14 goals in 60 games across two spells in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

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His last U’s match was the Sky Bet League One play-off final defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in July 2020.

And the 24-year-old revealed the way his second spell ended has fuelled the fire inside him.

“The last game I played here and how it went still hasn’t settled with me, so it’s definitely unfinished business,” he said.

“I’m really happy that things have got over the line.

“I feel like this is my home, I’ve been away but now I’m back.

“To me, this club is very special and it’s going in the right direction. I want to be a part of that.

“There’s a lot of the same faces here from last time and that makes it easier to settle in.”

There had been plenty of speculation about the forward’s future after he was given the green light to leave Middlesbrough, who he joined from West Ham United in July 2019.

Browne has not played since last January due to an ACL injury but was a man in demand, with Charlton Athletic and United battling for his services.

The Addicks appeared to have won the race after offering a competitive financial package, only for the deal to collapse late last week.

United swooped for Browne, who had a medical over the weekend.

It could be a few weeks until he is up to speed, but the former loanee wants to hit the ground running when he returns.

He said: “I feel good, I’m hungry and eager to play.

“I don’t want to come back and have to pace myself, I want to do everything I’m capable of.”