AN overseas trip remains a pre-season possibility for Oxford United this summer, providing it is the most beneficial option for the squad.

Domestic alternatives are also being considered, with a return to Scotland among the other options.

The U’s stayed in Edinburgh in 2009 and 2010, and have warmed up for the last two seasons with training camps in America thanks to a relationship with the New England-based Seacoast United.

While the trips to the States have been popular with players and staff as a bonding exercise, there have been critics.

As well as the basic cost of travelling across the Atlantic and the low quality opponents for friendly matches, the lack of grass pitches has meant games are played on artificial surfaces which have caused injuries.

The U’s will have to confirm their schedule shortly, but chairman Ian Lenagan has not yet ruled anything out.

He said: “We’re in the final stages of defining what our pre-season plan is.

“Do we go to America, do we go out on marine camps or do we stay around Oxfordshire?

“There are all sorts of options and that’s a decision which will be driven largely by (head of sport science) Alasdair Lane and the assistant coaches with (manager) Chris Wilder because they’ve got to get all of that right.

“I’ll be involved in that decision, but the way they’re approaching it is very professional and I like it.”

Lenagan stressed the priority was on what was best for the squad, which outweighed the financial implications.

“(Going overseas) always remains an option,” he added. “It will cost us £25,000 to go to New Hampshire.

“We’ll probably get £10,000 back in terms of sponsorship and donations from people. Whether it is worth the extra £15,000 is a business decision.

“I’m not making that decision, it’s one Chris and the team will make in terms of what they think they should do.”

United have announced two pre-season games against Coventry City and Birmingham City at the Kassam Stadium and are expected to finalise their other plans shortly.