Oxford United are in discussions - or are about to begin talks - with three key players whose contracts run out at the end of the season but before the Football League play-offs have begun.

Steve BashamStrikers Steve Basham and David Oldfield, and midfielder Bobby Ford, all signed one-season deals last August.

To try to save money, the club got them to agree contracts only until May 5, two days after the official end of the League season on May 3.

In theory, it was a good idea. But with the U's now making a real push for the play-offs, and currently lying two points behind seventh-placed Cambridge with a game in hand, it is looking less clever, especially as the players could theoretically hold out and demand large sums for what is a small period of time.

Former Sheffield United star Ford is the team's playmaker, ex-Southampton and Preston ace Basham their main striker, while Australian-born Oldfield has the experience of several seasons in the top flight, with Luton, Manchester City and Leicester.

This season's third division play-off final takes place on Saturday, May 24.

United will have to renegotiate the contracts or offer extensions to the three players.

The U's are also still in talks to try to bring in one or two new players to strengthen the squad, but that is easier said than done at this time of year.

Read more on the U's on This is United