Defender Michael Raynes has confirmed he has left Oxford United.

The 27 year-old centre-half took to social networking site Twitter to announce his departure, although the Division Four club have yet to officially confirm his exit from the club.

It read: “Never tweet about football but just want to say thanks to everyone at #OUFC had a great 2 and a half years, met some amazing people. Been a pleasure.”

Raynes, who scored twice during his 82 appearances for the Us, has found first-team chances hard to come by since manager Michael Appleton brought in Chey Dunkley from Conference outfit Kidderminster Harriers back in November.

Boss Appleton dropped a hint that the former Rotherham United defender would be available to leave during the January transfer window, with Division Four basement side Hartlepool United believed to be his likely destination.

Raynes’ last appearance for United was in the televised 5-1 thumping at Cambridge United back on October 11.

Meanwhile right-back Joe Riley may have also played his last game for the club after failing to make the starting eleven against Cheltenham Town on Saturday.

The Bolton Wanderers loanee was too ill to deputise in United’s back four during their 2-1 defeat to Paul Buckle’s Robins at the Kassam Stadium.

The 23 year-old last featured for Oxford in their 2-0 loss at home to Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day.

Riley, who also missed the 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle last week with a tight hamstring, is expected to make a decision on Monday on whether to extend his loan at Oxford until the end of the season.

And finally, ex-Yellows midfielder Brian Howard has joined Conference side Eastleigh until at least the end of the season.

The former England Under-20 international failed to earn a contract extension surpassing the New Year after making just eight appearances for the Us since arriving at the Kassam back in September.

Howard, who joins former Oxford quartet James Constable, Jack Midson, Yemi Odubade and Craig McAllister at the Silverlake Stadium, could make his Spitfires debut when Eastleigh host Altrincham on Sunday.