JONTE Smith has signed for Oxford United - hours after his deadline day move collapsed.

The 24-year-old striker was close to sealing a move last night, but the 11pm cut-off mark came and went without an announcement.

However, the Bermudan international has now joined on a contract until the end of the season.

Lewes, from the Bostik Premier Division, agreed Smith could leave as a free agent, which meant he was able to sign outside of the transfer window.

The front man had impressed United, scoring twice in an under 23s game this week, on the back of netting a hat-trick against them in another trial for Swindon Town earlier this season.

Head coach Karl Robinson said: “He is very raw but he is a goalscorer and we think he deserves longer to try and impress us.

"Jerome Sinclair signed yesterday so we have added to our options up front.

"This one may be seen as a bit left-field but Jonte has a fantastic attitude and you can’t do much more as a trialist than score five in two games!

"Chris Allen was certainly impressed so now it is up to him to make the most of this chance.”

Smith added: “First of all I want to thank Lewes for all they have done for me and wish them well.

"The chance to join Oxford was such a great one for me and now it is up to me to keep scoring goals, work hard, and do the best I can to make it a success.”

Smith has played in League One before, with Crawley Town in 2012/13.

The striker only made four appearances, without scoring, for the Sussex club and has played for a variety of non-league sides since.

He's also had spells in Finland and Norway, before joining Lewes in 2016, for whom he scored 20 goals last season.