Ryan Clarke looks certain to be leaving Oxford United, with head coach Michael Appleton expecting the goalkeeper to depart this week.

The Oxford Mail revealed six weeks ago Appleton had informed Clarke he was not guaranteed to continue as United’s No 1, before going on to increase the competition by signing Sam Slocombe.

The 33-year-old responded by making it clear he wanted to play regularly – and would give serious consideration if the right offer emerged elsewhere.

It has prompted interest, with another club in Sky Bet League Two believed to be his most likely destination, although no formal offer has been tabled for a player who still has 12 months left on his contract.

While Clarke was with the squad yesterday at the training ground as they returned for the start of pre-season, Appleton expects a resolution shortly.

He said: “I’d be surprised if nothing is sorted by the end of pre-season. In fact I’d be surprised if nothing is sorted by the end of this week, if I’m being honest.

“Ryan has made it public, as I have, that his time at Oxford United is probably over.

“But there’s no issue with it from my point of view.

“Everyone has a timespan at a football club.

“From his point of view, he would see it as an opportunity for a fresh start.

“I’m sure he will be excited to do well wherever he ends up.”

Clarke is the longest-serving player in the squad, having made 267 appearances since joining in May 2009.

If he left, only skipper Jake Wright would remain from the U’s squad which won promotion back to the Football League five years ago.

Appleton said: “Sometimes you have to make decisions and people move on.

“I don’t think at his age he really wants to be fighting to be a No 1.

“I respect that and understand it, so it was a very easy one in the end.”

The U’s boss also moved to quash speculation they were lining up a loan move for Newcastle United’s young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

He said: “I’m not sure where the link has come from. I know his dad (ex-United keeper Andy Woodman) reasonably well.

“There’s nothing in it, other than I think he’s a very good goalkeeper.”