George Dugdale

Oxford United have today released a statement regarding the future of two of the club's players. A second Bristol Rovers bid for James Constable has been rejected, whilst negotitations with Adam Chapman have reached a stalemate.

United opted to consider Rovers' follow-up bid for 11-goal top-scorer Constable over the Jubilee weekend, but have ruled that the bid is not sufficient to allow contract talks.

Kelvin Thomas told the Official Website: “The offer from Bristol Rovers was a reasonable one, but quite a bit less than what we have both rejected and accepted in the past.

“Our position has always been clear on the value of our players.We do not need to sell financially and will only consider offers which give the club a good financial return, while also allowing us the ability to replace a player.

“Of course it is a compliment for the club and for James that there is interest, but as we have shown in the past we are not in a weak financial position that means we have to accept any offer that comes our way.”

It is unknown whether Bristol Rovers, or any other club, will submit an increased offer.

Thomas also released information regarding the ongoing negotiations with Adam Chapman. The 22-year-old was offered a new contract with the club last month, but has opted to reject two offers of an improved deal.

It is understood that the Northern Irish midfielder is keen to stay at the club, although the two parties remain some distance apart in terms of their wage expectations.

When Chapman's current deal expires at the end of the month the club intend to open negotiations on an agreement matching his current deal, which would allow the former Sheffield United trainee to play for Oxford United, whilst attempting to earn the level of contract he believes his ability merits.

If another club were to offer Chapman a satisfactory deal which the player wanted to accept, United would be protected due to the fact that the player is under the age of 24. If Oxford United and a potential buyer could not agree a fee, the transfer would go to a tribunal in which the Football League would determine the sum Oxford merit for their contribution to Chapman's development.

Thomas explained: “We have made two offers to Adam, both improving his existing agreement, however Adam feels he deserves a better financial package.

“We have agreed to disagree on the issue as we feel strongly that the offer is at a similar level to other players in the club with Adam's experience.Ever since we signed Adam from Sheffield United for a fee, we have seen the potential in him as a player, however we can only compensate players to the levels we feel are appropriate at a given time.