Exclusive: Oakes to sign on Monday

Last updated : 15 February 2004 By Rob Davies
The deal is as good as done and dusted, with Oakes' signature deemed a formality.

Notts manager Gary Mills revealed on Friday that he had a deal lined-up for a First Division midfielder, who had Premiership experience. However, Notts' boss was keen to keep his identity secret, incase other manager's were alerted of his availability.

Oakes
But Mills did drop one crucial hint, saying the midfielder was suspended from this Saturday's action.

Of the players suspended for this weekend's domestic calender, only Oakes (pictured left) fits Mills' description.

The midfielder is currently at Walsall, but he has struggled to make an impact there after moving on a free from Leicester in the summer.

His last game for the Saddlers came just under a month ago in the 6-1 defeat against Coventry, where he was sent off- ironically, in his first start for the midlands side.

Oakes, 25, began his career at Leicester, where he spent 6 years. He particularly impressed under Martin O'Neill, a former team mate of Mills'.

In all, Oakes made 79 appearences for the Foxes. He is believed to be a quick individual who is also a good passer of the ball.

NCM will let you know as soon as Oakes does sign, but remember where you heard it first!