OXFORD United are expecting to hear final decisions from Danny Hylton and Chris Maguire this week on the new deals put to them this month.

The forwards were United’s only players out of contract this summer who received an offer following end of season meetings.

They were given a fortnight to make up their minds, which expires at the end of the week.

U’s head coach Michael Appleton said: “We asked if they could respond within 14 days and that’s pretty standard.

“We’ll have dialogue and I’m sure we’ll get to a conclusion one way or another before that period ends.”

Quick decisions would be helpful to United, who need to know how many players they are looking to recruit this summer as they build a squad capable of competing in Sky Bet League One.

With no signings yet unveiled, they are hoping to have these two pieces of the puzzle in place before the weekend.

The pair both played their parts in a successful season.

Hylton, top-scorer in the 2014-15 campaign, netted 14 goals and came back strongly after being left out of the side in the winter to cement his status as a fans’ favourite.

Maguire first joined on loan in November, before returning on a short-term deal during the January transfer window.

Although the Scot took time to find his feet, the former Aberdeen and Sheffield Wednesday man showed his class during the run-in and converted penalties in the last two games.

Appleton is confident the offers are fair, but is wise enough not to believe either will be in the squad for next season until pen is put to paper.

And while the U’s boss wants them to stay, he also issued a reminder there are plenty of players ready to take their place.

“I’m optimistic. Obviously I’ve been in the game long enough not to get too carried away with it, but they’ve earned the opportunity to be offered a new deal,” Appleton said.

“We think the deals are very competitive.

“But ultimately it will come down to whether they want to play or not.

“I don’t think we have to be bent over a barrel as a football club now.

“There are a lot of players out there who are looking forward to being part of what the future holds for Oxford.”