Defender Tom Newey has left Oxford United by mutual consent.

The 32-year-old joined the Yellows from Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2013, making 62 appearances for the Us, scoring one goal.

Newey has found first-team opportunities hard to come by under manager Michael Appleton this season, largely due to the arrival of loanee Tareiq Holmes-Dennis, and spent time on loan at Northampton Town before the New Year.

With United announcing the signing of former Rotherham United left-back Joe Skarz on Saturday, Newey is surplus to requirements at the Kassam Stadium and has agreed to cancel the remainder of his contract.

Another Oxford defender, David Hunt, is expected to follow suit after recently returning from a loan spell with Conference leaders Barnet.

Meanwhile on the arrival front, the Yellows have had a transfer fee accepted by Peterborough United for striker Tyrone Barnett.

The 29-year-old scored six goals for United in 12 starts whilst on loan with the Us earlier this campaign.

Oxford’s chief executive Mark Ashton revealed the club had their bid accepted at the start of the January transfer window, but they face fierce competition from Division Two clubs for Barnett’s signature.

“I won’t identify the fee but I imagine it’s one of the larger ones the club has put in,” said Ashton.

“The challenge we have is there are Championship and League One clubs that are potentially interested.

“We don’t believe it’s a question of salary package, it’s where he wants to play his football and in fairness you can understand it if there are Championship clubs interested.

“We are continuing to push on it and I’m in communication daily with Peterborough.”

Ashton also admitted that the Division Four club have made several other bids for players as they desperately try to strengthen United’s squad ahead of the transfer window’s closure next Monday.