Ryan Clarke has been told he will not be guaranteed to be Oxford United’s No 1 goalkeeper next season as head coach Michael Appleton keeps his options open.

The 33-year-old has been the club’s first-choice stopper since joining in 2009, making 267 appearances.

But he was left out for the final five games of this season as Appleton ran the rule over Jamie Ashdown, who signed on a short-term arrangement in February.

Ashdown, 34, has been offered a new contract by the U’s, which he is considering, while Max Crocombe’s stay has been extended by two years.

United

It raises the prospect of the squad containing three players battling for the shirt, although the intention is to have only two for next season.

Appleton admitted the situation could prompt interest in Clarke, who has established himself as one of Sky Bet League Two’s most consistent goalkeepers.

He said: “Clarkey knows he’s not guaranteed to be No 1 next year and he’s fine, he’s a top pro, there’s no issues with me and him.

“If he wasn’t happy at the fact there were no guarantees he’d be No 1 and he wanted to move, then I certainly wouldn’t stand in his way.

“I wouldn’t stand in any of the players’ way.

“Obviously it would have to be right for us, as it would in all cases.”

Appleton, who is keen on having a smaller squad next season, has previously said he would not want three goalkeepers in the squad.

It remains the case, although there is every chance they could return for pre-season with a trio.

He said: “I’ve left the door open with all of them because if I’m being honest I don’t know who my No 1 goalkeeper is for next year.

“Even if we brought Jamie in, as an example, if we had three keepers at the start of pre-season then by the end of it there would only be two, one way or the other.

“Don’t ask me which one, because I haven’t got a clue, but by the end of pre-season there would only be two.

“So someone would have to go out on loan or whatever it may be.”

He added: “I want to keep them on their toes, I want them coming back not knowing.

“I’d be surprised if we do resolve it before pre-season, but three or four days in football is a long time, so things can move very quickly.

“We’re always prepared for that.

“Keepers can become available, you get offers for your players at any time.”

OXFORD United have announced their first pre-season fixtures.

July: Sat 11 – Didcot Town (a) 3pm; Tues 21 – Woking (a) 7.45; Sat 25 – Eastleigh (a) 3; August: Sat 1 – Coventry City (H) 3.