Michael Howard has told Darren Patterson he wants to stay at Oxford United.

And the U's are now to capture the experienced 29-year-old left back on a permanent basis, after extending his loan until the end of the season.

"We've had preliminary discussions with Michael and his agent," Patterson confirmed.

"This was just to find out what he wants, how long he's looking for and what sort of deal he wants.

"But the boy wants to stay, and we would have a pre-agreement to sign him in the summer."

Birkenhead-born Howard, who has made more than 350 league and cup appearancess in his career, said when he first joined United on loan that he was move south because his wife and daughter live in Swansea, and he has been told by boss Sammy McIlroy that he is not going to be playing at Morecambe.

Howard added: "I've really enjoyed my time at Oxford and I'm pleased to stay for longer.

"We've started to get a few results together, it's a club with a great history and facilities and I'm looking forward to building on the hard work we've put in over the last few weeks"

Meanwhile, Patterson says his meeting with nutritionist Jon Williams was very successful, and there's a good chance of him coming in at United.

"I had a good chat with him, he's a very impressive guy, very professional and very interesting in the ideas he has," he said.

"He was involved with the Wales rugby team for the rest of the week, but I hope to get back to him soon."

United's manager added: "I've also got a meeting with a conditioning coach, who I'm looking to bring in part-time until the end of the season to start with.

"But it will be someone who has good experience, not someone fresh out of college."

Oxford United's youth team were knocked out of the Football League Youth Alliance Cup at the quarter-final stage when they went down 1-0 to Colchester at Milton on Saturday.

The Under 16s drew 2-2 with Walsall, Nick Christoudoulo scored both goals.