OXFORD United are lining up a permanent move for a goalkeeper which would allow Max Crocombe to go out on loan.

The stopper turned 22 last week, but the most recent of his six appearances for United came 12 months ago in the Capital One Cup defeat at West Bromwich Albion.

Summer signing Sam Slocombe has quickly established himself as the No 1, leaving the New Zealander as back-up again.

U’s boss Michael Appleton is keen to arrange a repeat of last season, when Jamie Ashdown was signed on a short-term deal so Crocombe could be loaned out.

A spell of ten games with Nuneaton Town followed and he earned rave reviews in a side which was relegated from the Vanarama Conference.

Appleton said: “I think he needs that again.

“Max benefitted from playing first-team football at Nuneaton.

“We want the same again really because Sam coming in has limited his opportunities, so it looks like the best case scenario.

“I think he’s more than comfortable at that level and it’s where we’re aiming to pitch him at.”

In preparation, another goalkeeper who was at a higher level club but is now a free agent has been on trial for several days.

Appleton has been pleased with the reports from United’s goalkeeping coach Wayne Brown and Slocombe and is keen to arrange a move.

“He’s a lot younger than Jamie (Ashdown),” he said.

“He will come in and be an understudy to Sam.

“We have had him in for a week or so and the reports I’ve been getting from Sam and Wayne are very positive.

“It’s not often you hear your No 1 goalkeeper praising someone coming in on trial.”