Oxford City winger Marlon Jackson is set to join National League newcomers Tranmere Rovers, despite signing a new one-year deal at Marsh Lane last month, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

However, City, are not expected to receive a fee due to a clause in Jackson’s contract which allowed him a move to a higher-league club.

But general manager Justin Merritt believes they will still benefit from the transfer.

“The important thing is that now we’ve built a relationship with Tranmere and we’ll see what that leads to,” he said.

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“They have one or two players who are available and you never know what may happen in future, but it’s too early to really be looking at loans at this stage.”

City have already lost several key players, including striker Adi Yussuf to Mansfield Town, midfielder Mamadou Fofana to Barrow and winger Tom Winters to Brackley Town.

“It’s a big blow to us,” said Merritt, whose side start their National League South campaign at home to Chelmsford City on August 8.

“We’ve lost Tom Winters, Adi Yussuf and now Marlon, so that’s basically our whole strikeforce from last season and that will take some replacing.

“I was a little surprised because Marlon only just signed a contract here, but he’s certainly got the capability and the pedigree to play at a higher level.

“I think it’s just a matter of whether he can maintain his fitness, because he did have a few injuries last year.

“I wish him all the best and if ever he does come back around we would certainly like the chance to work with him again.”

City could also be without Declan Benjamin for the start of the season after the midfielder suffered ankle ligament damage in their pre-season friendly at Didcot Town.

Merritt added: “We still have to wait and see how serious it is once the swelling has gone down.

“But that’s the nature of the injury.

“If he’s torn his ligament it could be quite severe.”

Midfielder Shepherd Murombedzi, who was released by City last season and also featured for Banbury United, has joined National League side Torquay United following a successful trial.

Meanwhile, City face a trip to Arlesey Town tomorrow (3) for their latest pre-season friendly, while Banbury United travel to Ardley United tonight (7.30).