JON Obika has become the first signing since Pep Clotet became Oxford United manager.

The striker turned down a new contract at Swindon Town last month and negotiations about a move to United began while Michael Appleton was in charge at the U's.

Talks were put on hold until the managerial uncertainty was cleared up.

But Clotet, who was appointed last Saturday, approved the deal earlier this week and the formalities on a two-year deal, with United having an additional 12-month extension, were completed today.

Obika said: "I had a word with both managers.

"They shared the same desire for the club. You could see it was only going one way – and that’s to the top.

"I felt it was important I spoke to the new manager and you could tell why he’s been at the top level.

"That was a big pull."

Clotet said: "We have a really good recruitment team here and Jon is someone the club has been monitoring for a while.

"He has great pedigree, is able to play in a number of positions and gives us options up front, so we are very pleased that he has agreed to join us.

"We're eager to welcome Jon and begin working him so as to allow him to settle into the squad during pre-season."

The 26-year-old strengthens an attacking unit which has lost Toni Martinez, Conor McAleny and Chris Maguire since the end of last season, although United remain hopeful of re-signing the latter.

Obika scored 28 goals in 81 starts during three seasons at the County Ground, having joined for a reported £200,000 fee from Tottenham Hotspur in September 2014.

It was the first settled spell of his career, having had 11 loan spells away from White Hart Lane.

The pacy frontman made four substitute appearances for Spurs, the most recent coming in January 2013.