TONY McMahon’s anticipated departure from Oxford United has been completed after he joined Scunthorpe United on loan for the rest of the season.

The full back signed a two-year deal with the U’s last summer, but with his family staying in the north east he has struggled to settle.

Boss Karl Robinson revealed last week they were working on finding a solution so he could move closer to home.

The Iron, who are one place above United in the Sky Bet League One relegation zone, are due to visit the Kassam Stadium on March 2.

McMahon will not feature in the clash, though, with his loan containing a clause preventing him from facing his parent club.

It sees him link up with Stuart McCall, for whom he played at Bradford City.

He told Scunthorpe's website: "Coming back to work with the gaffer was obviously a massive pull, but being back closer to my family up north was an offer I couldn't really turn down."

The 32-year-old made 13 starts for the U’s, scoring once, but a cracked rib meant he had not featured in the league since the 3-3 draw at Scunthorpe two months ago.

It continues a busy start to the transfer window for United.

Mark Sykes signed a permanent deal yesterday, while Jordan Graham has joined on loan.

McMahon's departure is the third so far, with Jonathan Mitchell's loan finishing and Sam Smith's short-term deal brought to an end early.