Sutton United boss Paul Doswell has revealed he is close to losing his battle to keep hold of midfielder Kelvin McIntosh after the former Hampton & Richmond Borough man went missing in action this week.

The 25-year-old, who is based in Oxford, had told Doswell he would like to be a part of the club’s Ryman League Premier Division title charge this season, but has been unreachable since the players returned to training.

McIntosh first joined United towards the end of last season - making four appearances - and had agreed in principle to a deal to keep him at Gander Green Lane for the coming campaign.

The Sutton chief believes something is afoot and is not holding out much hope of the Oxford United trainee turning up on his doorstep anytime soon.

“We’ve been back in training for the best part of 10-days. I’ve left messages and sent texts to find his whereabouts, but have heard nothing back, “ he said.

“Unless he appears by the start of next week he is out of my plans.

“There are a couple of lads who have been training with us that have impressed thus far, so there is a decision that will need to be made if he gets back in contact.

“Something tells me there is something wrong. We’ll just deal with it and move on. It is one of those things.”