It remains unclear as to whether Conor Clifford has a future at Barnet and Martin Allen says he will speak to the midfielder tomorrow (Monday).

Clifford, 23, joined the Bees for training on Monday but unlike veteran defender Michael Nelson – who has also been training with the rest of the squad – he was not involved in Saturday’s 5-3 defeat by Crystal Palace.

Asked afterwards if Clifford remained a target, Allen was coy.

“I will have to find out, I will have a chat with Conor on Monday and he will speak to the chairman over the weekend. Then we will see how that one pans out,” he replied.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City youngster has already made clear he would like to join the Bees on a permanent basis after impressing during his 13-game loan stint from Southend United last term.

Released by the Shrimpers following their League Two Play-Off Final defeat to Wycombe Wanderers, Clifford said in June: “I would love to go back and play under Martin Allen.

“Obviously he is looking to see who he can bring in at the minute but I would love to come back and play for Barnet in the league.”

One player whose future definitely won’t be at Barnet is Sam Akinde. The striker, who is the younger brother of John, scored in the 6-1 pre-season victory over Hungerford Town but is not training with the Bees anymore.

Allen said: “I won’t be able to do anything for Sam at the moment. We have not got the budget to extend it.

“Sam is a good player but we don’t work to work with a big squad. We have ten in our development squad with Ross (Eames) so at the moment there is no room for Sam. There is no gap for him to get a contract.”

Barnet added former Leyton Orient forward Shaun Batt on Thursday to boost their striking options, putting paid to any chance of the rangy striker earning a deal at The Hive.