KARL Robinson wants the futures of Oxford United’s out-of-contract players sorted to give the club ‘clarity’ moving forward.

Nine members of the first-team squad are in the final six months of their deals, with the influential Elliott Moore, Mark Sykes and James Henry among that number.

Last week, Sykes – who has scored eight goals this season - said January is ‘massive’ when it comes to contract talks between him and United.

And Robinson struck a similar tone as the U’s aim to avoid any unwanted distractions during their Sky Bet League One promotion push.

Read also: Karl Robinson speaks out on Cameron Brannagan bid

Speaking after yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at Lincoln City, United’s head coach said: “These are things that don’t really help, I don’t think. We’ve got to get this done now.

“I felt we didn’t look like us (against Lincoln). I don’t want things lingering - it’s not fair on fans, it’s not fair on the players that want to be here.

“I don’t want to use it as an excuse and I’m not doing that, but I think fans deserve to know where they stand when it comes to players who want or don’t want to stay.

“That’s all I ask – for this to be dealt with sooner rather than later, let’s not let this drag through the whole of January.”

RATINGS: Every Oxford United player marked out of 10 for Lincoln display

Asked if he would give players a deadline to make a decision, Robinson added: “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.”

As well as Moore, Sykes and Henry, the other senior players out of contract this summer are Alex Gorrin, Anthony Forde, Billy Bodin, Sam Winnall, Dan Agyei and Jamie Hanson.

Loanees Gavin Whyte, Jordan Thorniley, Nathan Holland and Herbie Kane are set to return to their parent clubs at the end of the season.