MICHAEL Williams was poised to join Oxford United's First Division relegation scrap on a free transfer from Burnley today.

Oxford boss Malcolm Shotton made his pre-deadline move for Williams after the player recently had a trial spell at the Manor Ground.

Shotton said: "I have known Michael for a little while and I know the calibre of the player.

"We are trying to get hold of him on a free transfer. He gives us another member of our squad until the end of the season and then it's up to Michael to stake a claim for next season." 29-year-old Williams made 16 League appearances for the Clarets after following Chris Waddle to Turf Moor from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 1998.

And his departure means that the quartet of players transfer-listed by Stan Ternent three League games into the season have all been fixed up with the other clubs until the end of the campaign at least. In-coming transfers to Turf Moor were still awaited with Ternent likely to be working up to the 5pm deadline in pursuit of a loan striker.

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