Oxford United are confident livewire striker Yemi Odubade (pictured) will sign a new contract to stay at the club.

Odubade, the U's second highest scorer this season with 11 goals, has been in exhilarating form over the past two months and is a key player in their attempt to win promotion back to the Football League through the play-offs.

Manager Jim Smith said United are in talks with a number of the younger players whose contracts run out at the end of this season, who they would like to hang onto.

Matt Day, who has similarly exceeded expectations this season, both defensively and going forward - where he has bagged five goals - is likely to be another.

Talks are also set to talk place soon with Mickey Corcoran.

"We're well down the road in discussions with Yemi," Smith said. "Hopefully, before very long we should be signing him.

"I spoke to his agent, we know the deal, and I'm a little bit disappointed it hasn't come up as a yes. I thought it would have been.

"I'll be trying to work that out on Friday."

Smith said nothing had been put to Corcoran yet, but it was on the agenda.

"Of the conversations I've had with him, I don't really see a problem," said United's manager.

The Northern Ireland Under 21 international commented: "I'm not too sure what's happening yet, but in the next few weeks I'm sure I will find out more. I would like to stay, of course."

Director Kelvin Thomas is likely to sit down with the players over the next fortnight.

"It will be the job this next week or two to get these lads signed," Smith said.

Picture courtesy of Darrell Fisher