Leyton Orient are reported to have joined the chase for Oxford United's supporters' player-of-the-year Dave Savage.

But Bristol Rovers are still believed to be favourites to sign the 29-year-old former Republic of Ireland midfielder.

Savage turned down Southend last week, telling them he had already commited himself to another club.

And it's understood that the club is not Oxford, who have offered him a new deal, but on reduced wages.

Meanwhile, young defender Simon King could be on the way out of the Kassam Stadium.

King's first-team oppor-tunities have been limited since Ian Atkins took over as manager. The left-sided defender has 12 months remaining on his contract, but it's believed the club have told him they would be prepared to pay him up.

Two other lower division clubs have expressed an interest in giving him a pre-season trial, but he may hold out to see if a Nationwide League or Conference club makes him a concrete offer to play regular first-team football.

Atkins is still hoping midfield playmaker Bobby Ford agrees to sign a new deal, but the lack of contact from striker Steve Basham suggests he may be on the move.

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