Oxford United have completed the signing of Chey Dunkley from Kidderminster Harriers, with Sam Long heading in the opposite direction.

The 22 year-old defender arrives at the Kassam Stadium on loan until January, with the view to make the deal permanent during the next transfer window for an undisclosed fee.

As part of the deal, centre-half Long, 19, joins the Conference side on loan until the New Year.

Dunkley, who came through the youth ranks at Division Three outfit Crewe Alexandra, made exactly 100 appearances for the Harriers after his arrival from Hednesford Town back in 2012.

The England C international has made 19 appearances so far this season, becoming Kidderminster’s joint top goalscorer in the league with four goals.

Dunkley, who is available to make his Oxford debut when the Us face AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, said: “It’s a great move for me.

“I spoke to Mark Creighton, the Kidderminster Assistant Manager, and he spoke really highly about Oxford as a club and as a team.

“I am really looking forward to being involved with training and then pushing for a place in the team.

“I’m under no illusions, I know there are some very good players here but I want to come and work hard at my game, give it everything in matches and be part of a successful side here.”

United head coach Michael Appleton added: “He is someone we have looked at for a while and been very impressed with.

“He has a good background and at 22 he has lots of potential. He is a big lad and attacks the ball well but he is also pretty comfortable on the ball and we think fits the style of football we are looking to play here. “It’s no secret that we have been looking to bolster the squad and add significant competition in every department and hopefully he is the first of a few new faces at the club.”

In regards to Long’s future at the club, Appleton said: “Sam needs to be playing games and this is a great opportunity for him.

“He has a fantastic attitude and hopefully he can go to Kidderminster, play competitive first team matches, and show what he can do.”

Meanwhile, former Oxford defender and now Kidderminster assistant manager Mark Creighton believes Dunkley will go on to achieve great things.

“He is commanding in the air, attacks things in both boxes and scores a few,” he said.

“He is a fantastic professional and young so Oxford will get some good years out of him.

“He thoroughly deserves his opportunity to join a great club like Oxford. His key attribute is his willingness to win.”