Sykes was set to be out of contract this summer, three-and-a-half years after he joined Oxford from Irish Premiership side Glenavon.

He made 40 appearances for the League One outfit this season as they finished eighth.

In March, Sykes received his first call-up to Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland squad but is yet to make his senior international debut.

The Belfast man played for Northern Ireland under-21s but made the decision to switch allegiances and pursue an international career with the Republic in 2020.

Bristol, 17th in the Championship, have already been active on the transfer front - signing Guernsey FC teenagers Ben Acey and Tim Ap Sion last weekend.