Defender Michael Raynes and midfielder Junior Brown have left Oxford United by mutual consent.

Brown, 25, lasted less than seven months at the Kassam Stadium, with the latter time of his stay spent on loan at Mansfield Town where he has agreed a permanent deal until the end of the season.

Meanwhile Raynes, 27, announced last week via social networking site Twitter that he was leaving the Us after 82 appearances and two-and-a-half-years with the Yellows.

Winger Brown joined the Stags originally on loan back in November, but one goal in five appearances for the fellow Division Four outfit has convinced former Oxford midfielder Adam Murray, now Mansfield’s player-manager, to offer him a contract at the Field Mill.

Brown became manager Michael Appleton’s first signing for United back in July, penning a 12-month contract with the Us after arriving from Tranmere Rovers.

Despite starting eight of Oxford’s opening eight games of the season, the ex-Fleetwood Town forward quickly fell out of favour as Callum O’Dowda took centre stage.

Furthermore, centre-back Raynes has had to settle for a place on United’s bench ever since Johnny Mullins’ arrival from Rotherham United in the summer of 2013.

The ex-Miller himself then found first-team chances even harder to come by following the signing of Chey Dunkley from Conference outfit Kidderminster Harriers in November.

Raynes reportedly wanted a move closer to his family in Manchester, although a potential move to Division Four basement side Hartlepool United broke down late last week.

However, the 27-year-old is poised to link up with Brown at Mansfield in the next coming days.