RICARDINHO may have a future at Oxford United, but boss Karl Robinson wants it to be on his terms.

The left back needs one more start to trigger a contract extension for next season.

Robinson admitted the Brazilian was left out of the U’s XI for last weekend’s 1-0 win at Doncaster Rovers to avoid activating the clause.

And with the side almost safe from relegation in Sky Bet League One, the 33-year-old looks set to finish the campaign just short.

The United head coach stressed it did not mean his mind was made up, but he wants to have control of the negotiations.

He said: “I’m not ruling him out, but sometimes when you have extensions in contracts there’s a rise and this and that.

“Is there better for that salary? He’s 33, is there someone at 24 or 25?

“You’ve got to think about the whole picture.

“I absolutely love the kid, but it’s not about loving them, it’s about getting the right players for this club to be successful.”

He added: “Don’t think that Ricky’s not going to be here, but we have to get things right on our terms first before we move forward.”