MARCUS McGuane says he wants to stay at Oxford United beyond his current deal.

The midfielder’s contract expires next summer, although it is widely understood that United hold a one-year option.

McGuane has become a key player for the U’s this season, helping the club put the battle against relegation last year behind them.

Instead, United sit second in Sky Bet League One this campaign after a hugely encouraging start.

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Five U’s players have already committed their long-term futures to the club since the beginning of the season, with Ciaron Brown last week becoming the latest to do so.

Simon Eastwood, Elliott Moore, Stephan Negru and Gatlin O’Donkor have also all penned their futures to United in recent weeks.

McGuane didn’t want to reveal whether talks had started between himself and the U’s, but when asked by this newspaper about his own contract situation, he responded: “I love being here and I enjoy being here, and this is somewhere that I want to stay.

“My family are happy being here as well, so this is definitely somewhere that I want to stay and kick on, and get the club to where I think we should be.”

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Discussing his form this season, the 24-year-old admitted there is an element of him coming of age this campaign.

He said: “I’m getting to that age now where it’s not really about potential and stuff like that.

“I’ve got to show myself every game for my teammates, my family and the fans.

“It’s about growing and taking that responsibility, and going onto the pitch with a clear mind and wanting to prove myself every game because I do have a lot of self-belief.

“It’s about keeping yourself grounded and taking every game as it comes, and carrying on trying to improve because I do feel like there are levels in my game I need to improve.”

McGuane added: “Since the gaffer came in, he’s given me and the whole team a platform, going onto the pitch with a clear identity and clear way of playing.

“It gives the licence for players like me to be creative and express myself, and show the fans what I can do.”

Cameron Brannagan’s absence through sickness for the last two games has opened the door for a return to the starting line-up for Josh McEachran in midfield, someone McGuane has enjoyed playing alongside.

“Josh is probably a bit more sitting, and he likes that sort of role to get on the ball and start attacks from deep,” said McGuane.

“That’s obviously given me a little bit of freedom to play higher up, which I like doing.

“Something I want to get better at is being more influential in the final third and higher up the pitch.”