THE foundations of Oxford United’s squad for next season are starting to become clear.

The U’s are yet to publish a full retained list, but they have already confirmed the departures of five players - along with the four loanees who return to their parent clubs.

Sam Winnall, Jamie Hanson, Leon Chambers-Parillon and Michael Elechi will be released, while Joel Cooper has agreed to leave by mutual consent.

READ MORE: Oxford United confirm release of four players

It means United have 13 first-team players contracted for next season, while another six see their deals expire this summer.

Mark Sykes is expected to leave, with Bristol City understood to be interested in the midfielder, but the U's are hopeful of keeping the other five.

READ MORE: Mark Sykes 'in talks' with Championship club - reports

United can trigger an extra year in the contracts of Elliott Moore and James Henry, while Karl Robinson has previously said there would be a deal on the table for Alex Gorrin as he continues to recover from his anterior cruciate ligament injury.

There is also confidence that the U’s can tie down Billy Bodin and Sam Baldock for next season.

Going beyond the first-team squad, Thailand Under 23 midfielder Ben Davis still has another year left on the deal he signed when he joined from Fulham last summer.

READ MORE: Ben Davis scores on international duty

Youngsters Tyler Goodrham, James Golding and Kie Plumley are also contracted until the end of next season.

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Contracted for next season (non first-team players in italics):

Goalkeepers: Eastwood, Stevens, Plumley.

Full backs: Long, Seddon, Forde.

Centre backs: McNally, Mousinho, Golding.

Central midfielders: Brannagan, McGuane, Smyth, Davis.

Wingers: Williams, Goodrham.

Forwards: Taylor, Browne.

Out of contract this summer

Centre back: Moore*.

Central midfielders: Henry*, Bodin, Gorrin, Sykes.

Forwards: Baldock.

*Option of an extra year