OXFORD United will begin to discuss their plans later this month on which players are offered new contracts.

There are 14 members of the squad whose deals expire next summer, although the U’s retain extension options on four.

It includes top-scorer Chris Maguire and rising star Chey Dunkley, who has started the season strongly.

Chairman Darryl Eales has revealed the club will not hold talks with head coach Michael Appleton until a third of the Sky Bet League One campaign has elapsed.

It is reached with the trip to Port Vale on October 22, giving United just over two months to tie down in-demand players before January – at which point other clubs would be able to make approaches.

Eales said: “What Michael and I agreed was let’s get 15 games in and see where we are.

“At that point I think we’ll have a clearer idea of what the season holds.

“The two key players on that score are obviously Chris (Maguire) and Chey Dunkley.

“It’s definitely on the radar, but you just have to get your timing right.

“Let’s get the season properly under way and then have those conversations.

“I’d be guided by Michael, but I would’ve thought you’d want to do it before January.”

OXFORD UNITED PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT NEXT SUMMER

Chris Maguire

Chey Dunkley

Alex MacDonald

Ryan Taylor

Benji Buchel

Sam Long

Miles Welch-Hayes

Jack Stevens

Robbie Cundy

Jonny Giles

Simon Eastwood*

John Lundstram*

Liam Sercombe*

Josh Ashby*

* Club have an option to extend contract