MICHAEL Appleton has confirmed Danny Rose is on the verge of leaving Oxford United.

Rose, 27, has found his opportunties limited this season due to the form of central midfielders Liam Sercombe and John Lundstram.

And head coach Appleton said this morning he has told Rose he would not be able to guarantee him first-team football.

Appleton said: "There is still a bit of knitty gritty, but I think we are pretty much way down the line on it and if that is the case I would like to say thanks to Danny.

"He has been a fantastic professional certainly in the time I have been at the football club and he deserves an opportuntiy to try and get some football elsewhere."

Striker Patrick Hoban is still available for a loan move and Appleton is hopeful a short-term deal will be tied up today.

Appleton said: "He has had quite a bit of time this year, whether it is starting or an impact player, and he just hasn’t found his scoring boots.

"For him to go out get games, score goals and get his confidence it will benefit everyone."