Alfie Potter’s days at Oxford United appear numbered after head coach Michael Appleton admitted the winger was available to leave during the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old has not been included in the match day squad for the last two games and is not expected to be selected for tomorrow’s trip to Dagenham & Redbridge.

Appleton has spoken to Potter, who is out of contract in the summer, and made it clear he was free to find a new club.

The U’s boss said: “Alfie’s been at the club a long time now, we all have shelf lives at football clubs and quite possibly his might be up.

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“I think it will be best for both if he goes and finds himself another club and starts enjoying his football again.”

Of the existing squad, only goalkeeper Ryan Clarke has been at the club longer than Potter, who joined initially on loan from Peterborough in July 2009.

He has made 195 appearances for the U’s since, with his 28 goals including one in the 2010 Conference play-off final win against York City at Wembley.

Potter appeared to make a real breakthrough during the 2012/13 season, when he scored 11 goals.

He began the following campaign with two goals and two assists in a breathtaking 4-1 win at Portsmouth, but suffered a broken ankle in November 2013.

Potter has shown flashes of his talent since, notably an excellent display in the 3-1 victory at Northampton Town in October.

After scoring at Sixfields he admitted football had been “getting me down” and consistent form since the injury has proved elusive.

Appleton admitted Potter’s exit would be unfortunate given his talent, but it is part of plans to reshape the squad which have seen four players leave in the last month.

Full backs Tom Newey and David Hunt are also surplus to requirements.

Appleton is optimistic Newey, who is back at United while he recovers from an injury, will secure a new loan, either back at Northampton Town or elsewhere.

Hunt’s stay at Barnet lasts until the end of the month. The U’s boss is aiming to do another deal, but did raise the possibility of ending the right back’s contract early, subject to a financial agreement.

With room freed up, United will be able to recruit players.

Appleton said: “I would say by the middle of next week I’d imagine there would be a little bit of activity going on, possibly before.”

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