Striker Tommy Mooney has rejected a new deal at Oxford United.

The former Swindon and Birmingham forward had been given a deadline of the end of the week to decide on his future, by new U's manager Brian Talbot.

And last night Mooney informed Talbot and United that he was rejecting the reduced terms he was offered.

He is now free to join another club when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The news will come as a big blow for United, who have lost one of their best forwards of recent years.

Although Mooney was disappointed with his return of 15 goals in 45 starts for Oxford, his link-up play was a feature of United's season.

He played the season without a permanent strike partner - Lee Bradbury, Steve Basham and Craig Davies all playing alongside the 33-year-old.

Mooney was reportedly earning somewhere in the region of £3,000 a week at United, and I understand that although his new offer was less, it would have still made him one of the highest-paid players at the club.

Talbot was understandably disappointed at Mooney's decision, but the news does at least mean that he can continue his re-building.

Basham and Jamie Brooks have agreed new deals, but Talbot will now start his search for a 20-goal striker to spearhead the U's attack.

Talbot said: "Tommy was made a very good offer to stay here by the chairman, but he obviously didn't feel it was enough and has told us that he won't be accepting.

"The offer was a drop in wages, but in my opinion was still a very good one, but clearly not what Tommy was looking for.

"We thank him for what he's done and wish him good luck for the future."

Mooney was unavailable for comment.

Oxford United have confirmed their decision to reduce on-the-day ticket prices for next season.

These are being cut by 50p per ticket.

Buying a ticket on the day for the Oxford Mail Stand will be £16 next season, rather than £16.50, with similar 50p reductions for the South Stand Lower, family area and South Stand Upper.

An adult ticket bought in advance for the Oxford Mail Stand is £14, a £2 saving on the matchday price.

United had previously announced that season ticket prices were being frozen and that under 7s, accompanied by an adult, can watch games for free next season, if tickets are bought in advance.

Season ticket holders can also get ten per cent discount for the Ozone cinema.