BENJI Buchel will undergo a medical this morning to complete his protracted move to Oxford United.

The Liechtenstein international goalkeeper has agreed a contract until the end of the season, after impressing while on trial last month.

A deal has been in the pipeline for well over a week, but all the paperwork has now been completed for the free agent, who is not subject to the transfer window.

Buchel has spent the past three seasons at Bournemouth – he played in their 4-1 friendly win against the U's at the Kassam Stadium in 2014 – but was released in May without making his competitive debut for the club.

He has been training with a club in Switzerland this summer, but held out for a move back to England, where the 26-year-old has unfinished business.

He said: “I was looking for three months, so I’m happy to find a club like Oxford.

“England is something special, just with the atmosphere from the fans.”

Buchel will be in the squad for Sunday’s trip to Bristol Rovers, but he is well aware, for the moment Sam Slocombe is United’s No 1.

He said: “You have to be patient, you have to look at the team and they have to do well, but I will give my best every day and let’s see where it will end.

“I don’t think any goalkeeper is happy to be the No 2, but you have to handle it and keep going.”

U’s boss Michael Appleton believes the new signing will put pressure on Slocombe and will have no hesitation in swapping the two if needed.

He said: “The thing I like about Benji is he’s not happy that he’s an understudy.

“I’m looking forward to him pushing Sam all the way every single day.

“If there’s ever a situation where Sam is not producing the goods then we’re more than happy to put him between the sticks.”

Buchel has added incentive to force his way into the side, because it would boost his hopes of adding to nine caps for the Liechtenstein senior side.

He said: “You have to be a No 1 to be an option in the international team, but I will try my best.”

The signing paves the way for Max Crocombe, who has been the back-up to Slocombe so far, to be loaned out.

FACTFILE - Benji Buchel

Born: Ruggell, Liechtenstein

Age: 26

Clubs: FC Ruggell, FC Widnau, USV Eschen/Mauren, Bournemouth, Dorchester Tn (loan), Poole Tn (loan), Havant & W (loan), Welling Utd (loan)

International debut: Slovakia 4, Liechtenstein 0 (Nov 19, 2008)

Most recent cap: Liechtenstein 1, San Marino 0 (Mar 31, 2015) B