MARK Sykes has completed his free transfer move from Oxford United to Bristol City, signing a three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

The Robins are understood to have held an interest in Sykes for several weeks, with manager Nigel Pearson at the Kassam Stadium for United’s win against MK Dons on April 19.

The 24-year-old midfielder reportedly completed a medical at the Sky Bet Championship club earlier today.

READ AGAIN: Oxford United’s Mark Sykes having medical at Bristol City – reports

Speaking to Robins TV, Sykes said: “I’m delighted, I came over last week and met the manager, everything was positive.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Championship and the manager was honest with me – he told me he would give me a chance here at the club so hopefully things keep moving in the right direction.

“It’s unbelievable here to be honest, I’ve only been at two clubs so I don’t have vast experience at training grounds but from what I can see here it’s unbelievable. It’s top class, no complaints.

“My priority is to have a good pre-season and get myself in the team. I want to hit the ground running.”

The former Glenavon man was left out of the squad for United’s final game of the season against Doncaster Rovers, with Karl Robinson stating he would pick players he expected to be at the club for the 2022/23 campaign.

It was a low-profile end to what was Sykes’ most productive season since joining the U’s in January 2019, having scored eight times in 45 appearances, bagging another five assists.

In total, Sykes scored 12 goals in 137 appearances for United.

Sykes follows in the footsteps of Rob Atkinson, who joined City in July for an undisclosed fee.

The Robins had lodged a bid in excess of £1.4 million, although it is understood the final fee was higher.

Earlier this afternoon, Pearson’s side announced former U’s winger Callum O’Dowda had been released by the second tier club.

Kidlington-born O’Dowda spent 13 years with United after coming through the youth system.