OXFORD United have signed French midfielder Jeremy Balmy until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old was a free agent after being released by Notts County when his contract expired in January.

Balmy, a former teammate of Juventus star Paul Pogba in the Le Havre youth team, made three appearances for the Sky Bet League One side after joining in August 2013.

Able to play anywhere in midfield or as a No 10 behind a striker, he impressed U’s head coach Michael Appleton while playing in a trial game last month.

After spending last week at United, he was offered a short-term contract until May.

Appleton said: “I saw him play for Birmingham City against Coventry in a development game and he was outstanding.

"When we heard he was available we got him in so we could take a look at him over a few days.

“He has a good attitude, has fitted in straight away and deserves the chance to impress us over a longer period.”

Balmy watched Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Luton Town at the Kassam Stadium, but will not be considered for tomorrow night’s Sky Bet League Two game at Accrington Stanley.

Instead he is due to wear a United shirt for the first time on Wednesday, in a development game away to Birmingham City.

He said: “It’s a nice move.

“I came a week ago and was made very welcome by the team. I’m feeling good.

“I went to the game against Luton and we did well, we should have won but I’m happy about the team.”