The former Sunderland and Darlington ace has failed to establish himself at Pittodrie and has found himself third choice behind Peter Kjaer and Ryan Esson at The Dons.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the new season and he is set to quit the club on a free transfer in search of first team football.
Preece has made only one first team appearance in the last ten months and he is keen to be playing regularly.
"I do not expect the manager to offer me another contract," said Preece.
"I cannot afford to spend forever on the sidelines. I'm at the stage where my career could pass me by unless I get a change.
"I'll never ask to leave but it looks as if I'll have no choice if I want to play regularly.
"I will keep doing as well as I can while I am here because things can change quickly in football. But if, and when, I do leave, it will be with regret.
"I came here with high hopes and great ambitions. For various reasons things haven't worked out.
"But I don't like it said that I haven't played because I've been unlucky with injuries," he told The Daily Record.
"There were long spells when I was fully fit and still couldn't get into the team which meant I wasn't doing well enough to persuade the manager to pick me.
"But this has never dented my ambition or willingness to keep working."
Dons boss Ebbe Skovdahl is hoping to arrange loan moves for Preece or Esson to give them some first team experience.
"We are trying to get David or Ryan out on loan before the transfer window closes next month," said Skovdahl.
"It is difficult to give either a regular game so I am trying to help them stay match fit.
"It will probably be easier to fix up David as he has a track record in England."
