Martin Allen says he will welcome Keanu Marsh-Brown back to Barnet if a move to Peterborough United does not materialise, but accepts he cannot stop players from being ambitious.

The 22-year-old last week tweeted a link to an image of himself in a Posh training kit on Instagram, before promptly deleting the tweet and subsequently his Twitter account.

Posh boss Darren Ferguson confirmed the former Fulham and Arsenal youngster had been training with the League One sidel ast week, but denied a loan moved had been discussed.

Speaking after Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat against Torquay United, Allen said: “There is no way I can ever stop players wanting to be ambitious and go and play at a higher level. It would be the biggest fraud if I personally said ‘you can’t do that’ to a player – they would just laugh in my face.

“I want them to have ambition, I want them to go and play higher and I respect that opportunity he has got. If he comes back, as I always do, I will welcome him back with open arms. If he gets his move, I will be the first one to ring him and say good luck.”

He added: “The chance to go and play at a higher level – for anyone – has got to be attractive, and if he gets that opportunity and the chairman has allowed him to go and do it, then let’s hope he makes something for himself.”

Speaking to BBC Cambridge Sport, Ferguson commented: “We have been aware of him for quite a while, he is a good talent and things just have not worked out for whatever reason at Barnet.

“We are just having a look at him this week – that does not mean we have to make a decision this week – it just means we have shown our interest and we are having a little look.”

Marsh-Brown has been on the periphery at The Hive this term, making just one start and five substitute outings – the last of which came over a month ago against Kidderminster Harriers.

The former Yeovil Town wide-man rejected the opportunity to discuss a loan move to Conference outfit Forest Green Rovers, whilst The Times Series understands an offer from Championship strugglers Blackpool was turned down by the Bees.