OXFORD United have confirmed four players will leave the club when their contracts expire this summer.

Sam Winnall, Jamie Hanson, Leon Chambers-Parillon and Michael Elechi were all told they can depart following discussions with the U’s.

United will announce their full retained list when talks with all other players have concluded.

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Of the initial quartet to be released, Winnall and Hanson are the two members of the first-team squad to exit the club.

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Derby County striker Winnall arrived in September 2020 with a proven goalscoring record in Sky Bet League One, but struggled for game time.

Just ten of his 52 appearances were starts, with the 31-year-old finding the net only seven times.

United declined to trigger the optional extra year in Winnall’s contract, but Karl Robinson nonetheless paid tribute to the forward.

The U’s head coach said: “I want to put on record my thanks to these people.

“They’ve played a part in the club’s history that’s fundamental to future success.

“They’ve taught me a lot as well, especially Sam Winnall.

“He has made me a better manager in different ways.

“For as much as we wanted more on the pitch and he’d openly want more as well – he’d ask for more playing time sometimes, as I’d ask him to be fitter – he’s been incredible and he’s taught me an awful lot.”

Meanwhile, Hanson is recovering from the latest injury of a frustrating spell and will continue his rehabilitation at United.

The 26-year-old joined the U’s from Derby County in August 2018, thought to be for a six-figure fee, but has been plagued by a series of fitness issues.

Hanson made just four appearances this season and 86 in total, with his final game against Rotherham United last November.

Chambers-Parillon has also struggled with injuries in 2021/22 after breaking onto the scene last year.

The academy product, 20, played three League One games in March 2021 and signed his first professional deal that July.

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The midfielder made three cup appearances for United in August, but suffered injuries during loan spells at Havant & Waterlooville and Slough Town.

Chambers-Parillon also had an option of an extra year in his contract.

Left back Elechi made three starts for United, all in the EFL Trophy.

The 20-year-old signed his first professional deal in December 2018 and the club took up the option in his contract 12 months ago.

“Unfortunately that’s part of the evolution of football,” Robinson said.

“The young players go off to their next home to try to find a career and move forward from here.

“We wish everybody who plays some sort of role in this club future success.

“Hopefully these people will look back on their time here as embedding a culture, and that’s something to be proud of.”