Mansfield Town announced on Friday that the necessary paperwork was completed for the expected signing of experienced former Oxford Unioted defender Michael Raynes.

The 6ft 4in centre-half has over 250 league appearances to his name and joins on a free transfer from Oxford United. The club has an option to extend his contract at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old started his career with Stockport County, where he spent six seasons, having made his debut aged just 17.

He then moved to Scunthorpe United in February 2010 and subsequently Rotherham United, before he joined Oxford in July 2012, where he made 69 appearances.

Stags manager Adam Murray said: “Michael is an experienced Football League defender and is organiser and a leader. He’s a no-nonsense type defender who also has the ability to be comfortable in possession of the ball.

“We managed to fight off interest from three other clubs in the higher regions of the league and it’s credit to Michael that he has chosen to join us, because he sees the vision of what we’re trying to do here.”

Raynes could make his debut for Adam Murray’s side tomorrow afternoon when we make the trip to promotion-chasing Burton Albion.

The club has also announced that Reggie Lambe, the Bermudan international winger, will stay until the end of the season.