Jerome unlikely to remain at MK Dons next season

Top-scorer Cameron Jerome is likely to leave MK Dons at the end of the season, Russell Martin admitted after he revealed which players would depart the club when their contracts expire.

Kieran Agard, Jordan Houghton, Lee Nicholls and Joe Mason, who is close to signing elsewhere, will not be offered new contracts at Stadium MK, with Laurie Walker, Matthew Sorinola, Josh McEachran, Andrew Surman, Ben Gladwin, Jay Bird and Jerome all in talks about the possibility of remaining at the club.Jerome arrived from Turkish club Goztepe in October and has gone on to score 15 goals for the club in 38 appearances. He has been sidelined through injury and looks set to miss Sunday's finale against Rochdale at Stadium MK.

Though the 34-year-old has enjoyed his time at Dons, Martin admitted Jerome still has Championship interest regarding his services next season, but said being apart from his family for long periods this season has made the striker reconsider where he wants to play next season.

"He has been a huge part of our squad this season, scored a lot of goals too and if it was just down to football, he'd stay," said Martin. "But he has seen his kids a lot less than before, he has been away from home in a tough year. It has been a lonely period for the guys whose families are a long way away.

"We'd like him to stay but I feel it's unlikely to be honest. He might end up staying which would be fantastic, but at this stage he wants to be closer to home. And he has interest from the Championship, which at his age is good going. He appreciates how well it has gone here and how much he has enjoyed it.

"There are discussions ongoing, but that's our expectation. We can't do any more to try and keep him."