OXFORD United have the option to extend Elliott Moore’s contract by a further year, says Karl Robinson.

The centre back’s deal runs out at the end of the season, but his manager revealed it contains a clause that allows United to trigger an extension.

It is unclear why the option has never been publicised in the two and a half years since Moore joined the U’s from Leicester City.

But Robinson was keen to clarify the defender’s situation amid growing speculation over the 24-year-old’s future.

United’s head coach said: “We have an option in Elliott Moore’s contract.

“I was told by the board and the recruitment team to let you know.

“People are saying his contract’s up in the summer, so don’t worry about Elliott Moore – he will be here next year if we want to take that option up.

“I’m sure you know as well as I do that we’ll be taking that option.”

Moore is one of eight United players in the final few months of his deal, with Mark Sykes, James Henry and Alex Gorrin among others whose terms expire this summer.

The defender, who turns 25 next month, has scored seven goals in 115 appearances since arriving from Leicester for an undisclosed fee in 2019.

Read also: Karl Robinson on Oxford United's 'coming of age' and Jordan Thorniley

He was made captain in December 2020 and did not miss a minute in Sky Bet League One last season, playing all 46 matches from start to finish.

Moore led by example in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at second-placed Wigan Athletic as United ground out a point against the division’s form side.

The option in the centre back’s deal should mean one less headache for Robinson as he starts to shape his squad for next season – whichever league the U’s find themselves in.

Last month, United’s head coach called for the futures of out-of-contract players to be sorted ‘sooner rather than later’ to avoid any unwanted distractions from the club’s promotion push.

Asked if he would set deadlines for a decision, Robinson said: “There’s things that happen internally, the players have clarity on that. I want clarity back as well.

“We have to be honest with them, which we have been, and from then we need this to be straight.

“Our owners have been excellent with the situation.”