CHRIS Wilder remains optimistic of keeping Adam Chapman despite a fortnight passing since the midfielder was offered a new contract at Oxford United.

The U’s boss said the 22-year-old would be “daft” to turn down the deal when it was tabled earlier this month, but the parties have yet to come to an agreement.

Wilder insists there is no issue over the gap and is still hopeful Chapman will put pen to paper.

He said: “Of course you’d like to get things done, but people go away (on holiday) and there’s always offers and counter-offers, stuff like that.

“You get to a stage where players have to make a decision, so I should imagine it’s getting close now.

“I’ll be disappointed if Adam doesn’t sign because I think we’ve done our part and been very loyal to the boy.

“But we understand he’s got to make the right decision for his family and financially it’s got to be right for him.

“There’s no problem, no falling out about it, but we’re confident he’ll sign.”