Oxford United have signed Leeds United youngster Lewis Bate on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old central midfielder, who moved to Elland Road for a seven-figure fee from Chelsea last summer, has managed four appearances for the club but is touted as one for the future, having represented England at U20 level.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, he said: “I spoke with the manager and he swayed it.
“Since then I’ve learnt from it and in the last couple of years I’ve been exposed to a first-team environment, so I’m looking forward to being in this one.
“Going for a promotion is exciting and hopefully we can do it here.
“I want a lot of games and quality minutes, I know it won’t be easy as I’ll be fighting for a shirt.
Bate was part of the Chelsea youth team before joining Leeds in a reported £1.5 million deal.
He played twice in the Football League Trophy and made his senior debut against West Ham in the FA Cup.
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch handed him his Premier League debut against his former club in a 3-0 defeat.
He added: “Last season was tough, people’s wages were on the line so thinking about relegation was difficult.
“On the flip side of that, thinking about promotion can only be a good thing.”
