PEP Clotet hopes one of the benefits of the extra time spent with the Oxford United players in Spain this week will be progress made on contract talks.

The U’s manager announced in October the club would be looking to finalise new agreements with several players whose existing deals expire next summer.

The group of players in the final year of their contracts include Rob Hall, Joe Rothwell and skipper Curtis Nelson.

Following on from Josh Ruffels putting pen to paper, last week promising youngster Malachi Napa committed himself to a longer stay.

United are due to begin training at their base in Salou, near Barcelona, today, but Clotet also wants to use the week for one-on-one discussions.

He said: “We have a plan in the club and I know they are working hard to establish long-term plans.

“My priority was always the younger players, like Malachi and Shandon (Baptiste).

“They are in a different situation to the others because they are coming up in the game and need to be taken care of.

“This week will give us a good opportunity to have more individual talks with the players and anything can arise, of course.”

Baptiste, who signed a six-month deal this summer to prove his fitness after shoulder problems, is the most likely to be the next to agree a new contract.

Clotet said: “I would love that.

“We met him and his family. I hope we can get a good agreement that will satisfy both because Shandon is not only a really good upcoming player, but is also a fantastic personality.

“He has a lot of values a good professional should have, so that means it would be good for us if he stayed.”

In the meantime, the focus will be on getting quality time on the training pitch in Catalonia.

Going abroad in mid-season was common for Mike Williamson during his time with Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But the centre back acknowledged it was rare in Sky Bet League One.

He said: “It’s a great idea and to be able to have that in the budget.

“The gaffer wants it and he’s been given it, so I think that says a lot about the support network and the club from top to bottom.”

He added: “The gaffer especially wants to work on a lot of stuff tactically. For me it’s a chance to get some good hours on the training field.”