Jake Speight set to leave Mansfield Town?

The striker, who has fallen down the pecking order this season after struggling to win a regular berth last year, has been told he can leave.

His name has been circulated and he has already begun talks with other clubs.

Manager Paul Cox has made no secret of the fact that he cannot further strengthen his side until he gets other players out and Speight, back for a second spell with the club, failed to make an impact last year, despite a promising start.

“Jake wants first team football which I can’t guarantee him so his name has been circulated and, as you would expect, one or two clubs have shown an interest,” said Cox.

“We had an enquiry about him last week and he was in talks with a club which I believe are ongoing. We will see what happens.

“I have been up front and honest with him and Jake has been the same with me.

“Since he has been here it has been stop-start with him and he has had a few injuries as well as us having a certain Matt Green last year.

“Last season we played one up with one in the hole and it worked well. So it was hard to try to accommodate him in his favoured position.

“I have a decent relationship with him and he understands and is working hard in training. But he wants to play football and has a family to support and he is out of contract at the end of this season. So he wants to be in the shop window.”

Cox said a move for Speight could be a loan or a permanent one.

The manager added: “Our strikers have done quite well so far and I have mixed it up and am looking for a pair that can form a partnership and learn about each other.

“It is early days yet and I don’t think Matt Green had even scored by now last year

“I won’t lie and if a 30-goal a season striker was available I would want him in my side. But we have to cut our cloth accordingly and I have to work with and try to improve what we have here right now.”