Craig McAllister appears poised to move from Oxford United to Exeter City after having talks with the Conference play-off finalists this week.

The 27-year-old striker was released by U's boss Darren Patterson at the end of this season, along with Justin Richards, Jamie Hand, Carl Pettefer and Danny Rose, plus Rob Duffy and Michael Blackwood who he had previously indicated he wouldn't be keeping.

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has this week held discussions with McAllister, who hit two goals in nine starts and eight sub appearances for Oxford, but didn't quite do enough to earn a new contract with the U's.

And the Devon club are expected to make an announcement about capturing the Scottish striker early next week.

That in itself is a surprise, because the Grecians don't yet know which division they will be in.

After beating local rivals Torquay in the play-off semi-finals, they now face Cambridge United in the play-off final next weekend, with the winners joining Blue Square Premier champions Aldershot Town in the Football League next season.

Most of Exeter's other strikers are already committed to the club.

Former Oxford United favourite Steve Basham signed a two-year deal when he joined them 11 months ago and is only partway through that.

Adam Stansfield recently signed an extension to his deal, which takes him through to next season, while Richard Logan, who is out of contract this month, is locked in talks with the club.

United boss Patterson admitted he couldn't be certain that McAllister would remain injury-free and that played a part in his decision to axe him.

"His injury record and his goals tally, since he's been here, have both worked against him," Patterson said. "He's been unfortunate with the number of goals but it was the medical side as well.

"Craig was one we thought long and hard about but we've got other targets in mind."