Oxford United are said to be preparing for life without Josh Ruffels, amid talk of a move to Nottingham Forest for the left-back.
The Reds are believed to be interested in the defender, whose contract is due to expire this summer, which would leave him available as a free agent.
Ruffels was offered fresh terms by the U’s during the season just gone, though has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
Boss Karl Robinson has urged him to make a quick decision - but it seems he is already looking at potential alternatives, should the 27-year-old depart.
According to BBC Oxford, the club are “considering potential replacements”, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alex Cochrane and Eastleigh’s Joe Tomlinson identified as two players “believed to be on (their) radar”.
It is said Robinson is still “keen to keep Ruffels”, however.
The Oxford manager last week said he was hoping for a speedy resolution to the player’s situation, with talks planned for last weekend.
“That’s the one thing we have asked,” he said. “From our point of view, we know where we’re at.
“We know what’s going on and we’ll be speaking over the weekend.
“We requested a resolution and Josh deep down is an Oxford fan.
“We’ve had some good conversations, but we also respect the situation.”
Yuri Ribeiro’s departure was confirmed by Forest yesterday as they released their retained list, with the Portuguese’s contract running out this summer.
There is uncertainty about the future of Nicholas Ioannou, who has been on loan at Aris Thessaloniki, while Gaetan Bong is one of four players understood to have been told they are free to move on.
If the duo do depart, it would leave Tyler Blackett as the sole senior left-back on the club’s books.
