OXFORD United have completed the permanent signing of Blackpool winger Owen Dale for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old was spotted in the stands, and in the tunnel at full-time, as United drew 2-2 at home to Portsmouth on Tuesday night.

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U’s head coach Des Buckingham told the club website: “He is an exciting player, he gets at defenders, has a lot of energy and has played over 200 games, so he knows his game and we feel still has plenty of potential to keep improving.

“With Tyler Burey and Will Goodwin also joining in this window, we’ve really strengthened our attacking options. Owen will go straight into the squad to face Reading on Saturday.”

Dale came through the academy at Crewe Alexandra, and went on to score 15 goals in 109 appearances across all competitions for the Cheshire side.

He joined Blackpool, initially on loan with an option to buy, in September 2021.

Including when he signed permanently the following January, Dale netted six times in 47 games for the Seasiders.

He spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, and played 50 times for the south coast club.

Dale has played most of his football this season as a wing back in Blackpool’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, scoring four goals in 32 matches.

He said: “I played against Oxford earlier in the season and really liked the way things are set up here.

“I met the manager and know he has big plans and, having watched them against Portsmouth on Tuesday night, you can see what a good side they are.

“I know there are also players coming back into the group who will strengthen the squad for a real push between now and the end of the season.”

Head of recruitment, Ed Waldron, added: “It’s another player who a few clubs were chasing but he wanted to come to us, which is a real endorsement of what we’re doing.

“We’ve signed him as a winger as that’s where he has played most of his football, although he can also play as a wing back so there is versatility there.

“He has a good delivery, works hard and we believe he will make a big impact as we head towards the business end of the season.”