OXFORD United are in discussions to keep full backs Joe Riley and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis on loan for the rest of the season.

As it stands, the pair will return to Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic respectively next month when their deals expire.

But both have established themselves and become key figures in the way head coach Michael Appleton wants United to play.

Riley, 23, has started every game this season, with his form prompting last season’s right back, David Hunt, to go out on loan to Barnet.

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The 19-year-old Holmes-Dennis has arguably been even more impressive since coming in as a rookie two months ago.

Now United are attempting to secure deals for the pair until the end of the season, according to assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley.

He said: “Of course we would like to keep both our full backs, they have been outstanding for us in the time they’ve been at the club.

“They’ve certainly been valuable members of the squad and we’d like to feel that we could keep them until the end of the season.

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“It’s not all in our hands of course, the parent clubs will have a say, as well as the players and agents.

“I think there’s ongoing discussions and hopefully we’ll be able to work something out.

“I’m certain if you asked the two players their mindset would be to play here for the rest of the season.”

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