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Jack Stevens exits Oxford United for Cambridge United on free transfer
The U’s have confirmed that the 25-year-old goalkeeper has agreed to join fellow Sky Bet League One side Cambridge United on a two-year deal.
In a statement, the club said Stevens has joined Mark Bonner’s side ‘on an initial free transfer but with Oxford United retaining a future interest in the player’.
The Oxford Mail understands that to be a sell-on clause.
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Stevens made 75 appearances for United after progressing through the club’s academy.
He was handed the No 1 shirt last summer but did not feature in the opening three games of the 2022/23 season.
Stevens signed a new contract with the U’s – tying him to the club until 2025 – prior to joining third tier side Port Vale on a season-long loan back in August.
He went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets.
Stevens was initially Vale’s first choice goalkeeper but lost his regular spot after a 3-2 defeat away to Shrewsbury Town on February 11.
He would go on to play just one more game for the club – a 3-0 loss at Accrington Stanley, in which he scored an own goal just after the half hour mark when he failed to keep hold of a high ball and dropped it over the line.
Cambridge finished 20th in League One last season, staying up by a single point.
Stevens told their club website: “I am really excited. It’s good to get it over the line.
“It’s a good time for me to settle somewhere, hopefully play regular football and be somewhere really positive.
“It feels like it fits and I am really happy to be here. I know the league really well and I am looking to show everyone how good of a goalkeeper I am.”
Liam Manning’s side meanwhile are believed to be eyeing a move for England Under-20 goalkeeper James Beadle.
READ MORE: Oxford United targeting England Under-20 goalkeeper – reports
Highly regarded at Brighton & Hove Albion, any move for the 18-year-old would almost certainly be on a loan basis.
Beadle, who played for England at this year’s Under-20 World Cup, impressed on loan at League Two side Crewe Alexandra during the 2022/23 campaign, playing nine times after joining in January.
He kept a clean sheet on his debut away to Walsall, keeping a further two shutouts in wins against Doncaster Rovers and Barrow.
Goalkeepers Simon Eastwood and Ed McGinty are already contracted for next season at United.
