THREE players offered new contracts by Oxford United see their existing deals expire today.

Anthony Forde, Leon Chambers-Parillon and Kyran Lofthouse were all presented with fresh terms last month when the U’s announced their retained list.

Discussions have taken place behind the scenes as you would expect, but as of yet there has been no official announcement on the trio’s future.

We take a look at the key factors that might influence whether these players stay or go.

ANTHONY FORDE

The Irishman has become United’s go-to utility player – sometimes to his detriment – since joining from Rotherham United in summer 2019.

Forde has played in both full-back positions, defensive and advanced midfield roles and on the wing in his two seasons with the U’s.

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This has seen him make 75 appearances, despite a stop-start first campaign where he broke four ribs in December before proceedings were halted by coronavirus in March.

The general consensus among United fans is that Forde is a useful player to have in the squad, but with years of experience in the second and third tiers he will back himself to be more than that.

At 27, he is at an age where players tend to peak and rarely lets his teammates down.

It is an important summer for his career and Forde will want United to make a commitment in terms of salary, contract length or both.

If that does not materialise, he may look elsewhere.

LEON CHAMBERS-PARILLON

The 19-year-old showed plenty of potential in his five substitute appearances last season.

Before Christmas, Chambers-Parillon claimed an assist at Walsall before hitting the bar against Forest Green Rovers, both in the Papa John’s Trophy.

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The midfielder broke into United’s Sky Bet League One squad in March – due to injuries, admittedly – and was trusted in high-pressure games, notably the derby win at Swindon Town.

Of the three players mentioned here, this is understood to have been the most straightforward deal.

Chambers-Parillon will want more game-time next season, especially in the early rounds of the Trophy.

United will need to show they can deliver that, but club and player are expected to reach an agreement.

KYRAN LOFTHOUSE

The youngster’s breakthrough season came away from the Kassam Stadium at Vanarama National League side Woking.

Lofthouse had made three appearances for United and impressed on loan at Oxford City, but showed promise as a regular in a side battling relegation.

Mostly used as a full-back, but also comfortable further forward, it was important the 20-year-old showed he could shine in the fifth tier.

Lofthouse has been given a taste of regular football and that might only be guaranteed away from United next season, so do not be surprised if he moves on.