Michael Appleton took charge of Oxford United in summer 2014
Oxford United manager Michael Appleton is closing in on signing a new contract with the League Two club.
Appleton, 40, has been in discussions over a new deal with chairman Darryl Eales since January.
"I'm not really one who gets dragged into stuff off the field really," he told BBC Radio Oxford. "I'm pretty focused and it's not affected me.
"If it can get done over the next week then brilliant and we can look forward to the remainder of the season."
Appleton is hoping to lead the U's to an automatic promotion and Johnstone's Paint Trophy double come the end of the season.
His side sit second in the league and face League One Barnsley at Wembley next month.
A new deal is understood to be a rolling contract for the former Portsmouth, Blackburn and Blackpool manager, who took charge at the Kassam Stadium in summer 2014.
"Stability is a rare thing in football management," he said. "We know as managers it's a short shelf life.
"You have to make the most of it when you get the opportunities.
"When you come across a group of staff and players that you fully believe in, it's worth its weight in gold."
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