Sunderland's League One promotion rivals Oxford swoop for Middlesbrough ace

Browne spent last season on loan with the U’s from West Ham before moving to Boro on a permanent basis.

He said: “Middlesbrough are a fantastic club and I’m enjoying my time there but as soon as I knew it was a possibility I loved the idea of coming back here because everyone - the gaffer, the staff, the players and the fans -made me feel so welcome at Oxford last season.

“The club is in a great position and I can't wait to be involved and hopefully be part of the club’s success this season.”

Karl Robinson added: “He is such a talent and gives us so many options in attack. He knows the lads, he knows how we like to play and we feel like we have done some really good work already in this transfer window.”