Jamie Donley has joined Oxford United on loan from Tottenham

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The attacking midfielder, who attended the Gilberd School, has joined Championship side Oxford United on loan from Tottenham Hotspur with an option to make the deal permanent.

Former Colchester Villa youngster Donley, who celebrates his 21st birthday today, has made the switch to Oxford after spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Stoke City.

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Donley told the Oxford United website: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I’m determined to make the most of.

“I want to influence games and be decisive in the final third, but that all starts with hard work. I take real pride in working for the team and doing the basics right.

“My loan experiences have taught me a lot. I’ve had big highs and challenging moments but those are what shape you as a player. I feel ready to come here, compete, and show what I can bring.

“First and foremost, I’m here to fight for the badge. When I get on the ball, I want to be positive, take responsibility and create moments that help the team win.”

Donley caught the eye while on loan at Leyton Orient last season but this campaign has been more difficult with limited game time at Stoke, where he made six appearances.

Donley has six international caps for Northern Ireland and scored his first international goal for them in November, helping them to secure a 1-0 win over Luxembourg in their final World Cup Group A qualifier.

Donley scored a remarkable 175 goals for Colchester Villa’s under-eights, before leaving to join Spurs' academy in 2013.

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His final involvement for Colchester Villa was for their under-eight Blues team at the Cornard tournament, where the team won all six games, scoring 26 goals without conceding.

Donley has been with Spurs ever since and turned professional for the North London club in January, 2022.

Donley made his Premier League debut for Spurs at Manchester City in December 2023 and signed a new contract with the North London club in March 2023 that runs until 2027.

He spent last season on loan at League One club Leyton Orient, playing more than 50 times and scoring eight goals, helping them reach the play-off final.

Oxford Head of Football Operations Ed Waldron added: “Jamie is an excellent signing for the Club and someone we’ve been tracking for some time.

“He was one of the standout performers in League One last season, consistently demonstrating his quality as both a scorer and a creator.

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“He has the attitude and personality we look for. For his age, he shows real maturity, presence and has an outstanding work ethic.

“Our aim for this window is to add players who can raise the ceiling of the group, and Jamie fits that profile perfectly. “With his quality and experience at both club and international level, we are confident he can make an immediate impact.”