Oxford boss Karl Robinson expects Joe Rothwell to leave the club - but is unaware of any offers for the midfielder who has been a player of interest to Rovers.

Tony Mowbray is understood to have targeted the 23-year-old in January but Rovers were rebuffed in their pursuit of the 23-year-old who made 41 appearances last season.

Oxford have offered the former Manchester United youngster a new deal, but Robinson doesn’t expect his midfield man to agree to the terms.

The Os would be a due a fee for Rothwell, as despite being out of contract he is under the age of 24. If any prospective buyer can’t agree a fee with Oxford, that would be set at a tribunal.

Rovers are looking to add at least one central midfielder to their ranks this summer, with chief executive Steve Waggott revealing Rovers could return with offers for players they missed out on in January.

No decision is understood to have been taken on Rothwell, though Robinson believes the player will return to his native north west.

“We don’t think it will be a surprise if he moves on,” Robinson told the Oxford Mail.

“I think he’ll end up back up north.

“We’ve just got to wait and see.

“I think we have done enough, we’ve told players we want to keep them.

“We’ve offered new contracts and we’re very happy with where we’re at.”