Andy Edwards revealed Jay Simpson has asked to leave the club after Leyton Orient drew 1-1 with Cambridge United at Brisbane Road.

Harrison Dunk opened the scoring for the U’s in the first half and it looked as though they would take all three points before Ollie Palmer found the equaliser four minutes into stoppage time.

It has been a good December for the O’s only losing once and going unbeaten at the Matchroom stadium.

Edwards said: “Jay has asked to leave the club which I thought on the strength of that it was probably best if we didn’t involve him today. That is all I am going to say on that one.”

Simpson scored 25 goals in the 2015/16 season but the forward has only managed three in this campaign in the Orient shirt.

Edwards also went on to say he will be looking to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window.

“I would like too. I think any manager across the country would like to strengthen. We have got areas that we have identified where we have potential targets,” added Edwards.

“How that will materialise we will have to wait and see. “ When asked about whether Owner Francesco Becchetti had lost interest in the club Edwards responded by saying: “No I do not think so. He watches the games live at his house.

“I am sure he will have some opinions and views on it. He cares about this place. He has invested a lot of money into the club and like all of us he has found it difficult.

“He has got some stick from some quarters so I think at the moment he prefers to watch it from the comfort of his living room.”

Becchetti has not been seen at Brisbane Road since the Blackpool match where the fans staged a protest for the club to be more open and transparent.

“I have been able to speak with the owner like I have with all the staff,” added the 46-year-old.

“I will have a meeting with him, maybe next week, and see where we are at.”

If Jay Simpson was to leave the club it would be a substantial wage packet in which the O’s could hopefully use to lure in the players needed to the end of the season.

Edwards said: “I do not know at the moment if we could use the money from Jay.”

Orient will face Exeter City at St James’ Park in two days’ time kicking off at 3pm.