Martin Allen has confirmed he is interested in bringing Conor Clifford back to The Hive on a permanent basis, whilst talks are ongoing regarding David Stephens’ future.

The combative midfielder joined the Bees on loan from Southend United in January and after impressing during an initial month-long stay, returned on a deal until the end of the season.

With the Shrimpers winning promotion to League One by beating Wycombe Wanderers on penalties in the League Two Play-Off Final, Clifford was released by Southend boss Phil Brown at the end of his contract.

And after impressing during his 13 outings for the Bees, the former Chelsea and Leicester City youngster remains on head coach Allen’s radar.

“I have definitely got an interest in Conor Clifford,” confirmed Allen. “But he is one of a number of players who we are looking at and one of a number of players who are available at the moment.”

Allen has already bolstered the centre of midfield by re-signing Sam Togwell to a new one-year deal and adding former Cambridge United captain Tom Champion on a free transfer.

However, with seven substitutes permitted in the Football League, the Bees will need greater depth in the middle of the park than last season when Togwell and Curtis Weston were the only natural central midfielders at the club.

Meanwhile, discussions over the future of out-of-contract defender Stephens continue. The centre-back, along with player-coach Jon Nurse, is the only player yet to commit his future to the Bees.

The Times Series understands Nurse will remain with the Bees in a coaching capacity.

Stephens, who joined Barnet on a free transfer in the summer of 2012 after leaving Scottish side Hibernian, was a key part of the Bees’ backline last term, making 43 appearances in all competitions.

However, the 23-year-old has yet to ink a new agreement at The Hive and is free to talk to other clubs, although Barnet would be entitled to compensation should they offer him a new deal as he is under the age of 24.

Asked if he was optimistic of retaining the former Norwich City and Lincoln City defender’s services, Allen replied: “Yes, that is something we are pursuing and we are looking into that.

“We are looking at many different options with the chairman with the budget to see what we can afford. So we are looking into lots of different options at the moment.”

The 6ft 4in defender was the Bees’ Player of the Year in both 2013 and 2014 and has six Welsh Under-21 caps to his name.