MICHAEL Appleton intends to have frank discussions next month to address the problem of having four goalkeepers in his squad.

Benji Buchel played enough games last season to trigger a 12-month extension clause.

Sam Slocombe has another year left on his deal, while Max Crocombe has returned after spending most of last season on loan.

With Jack Stevens expected to sign his first professional contract shortly, United find themselves oversubscribed for shot-stoppers.

The need to make the most of the budget will be key next season as the club look to handle the step-up to Sky Bet League One.

Appleton was tight-lipped on his plans for the position next season, but the head coach did reveal talks would take place shortly.

He said: “You’ll get more out of me in two or three weeks’ time regarding the goalkeeping situation.

“There are two or three honest conversations that need to take place and once that’s happened I’ll give you a bit more of an idea of what’s going to happen.”

It all adds up to the likelihood of at least one player being told they are surplus to requirements.

With Stevens one for the future and Buchel establishing himself as United’s No 1, the spotlight falls on the other two.

They had high hopes for Slocombe last summer, with his arrival prompting Ryan Clarke to join Northampton Town.

But the former Scunthorpe United keeper struggled to establish himself and twice lost his place to Buchel.

Crocombe has started just twice under Appleton, both in Capital One Cup games in August 2014 when their other keeper, George Long, was ineligible.

Since then he has had loan spells at Nuneaton, Barnet and Southport to accumulate experience.

The 22-year-old now has almost 50 senior games under his belt and it is likely to be a case of now or never for his U’s ambitions.

He is away at the OFC Nations Cup with New Zealand, who face Vanuatu today (7am BST).