The Times Series understands Barnet winger Keanu Marsh-Brown did not hold talks with Forest Green Rovers last week, despite being given permission to do so by Barnet.

Marsh-Brown, 22, was subject of interest from the Conference side towards the end of the summer transfer window but the Gloucestershire club did not make an offer for his services.

There were however offers from Championship side Blackpool and League 2 new-boys Luton Town – both of which were turned down by the Bees.

The emergency loan window opened last Monday and The Times Series understands on Thursday, Ady Pennock’s side made an approach to take Marsh-Brown on loan with the view to a permanent move, an offer which was accepted by chairman Tony Kleanthous.

However, despite being given the chance to leave the Bees, the former Arsenal and Fulham youngster opted to remain at The Hive.

Marsh-Brown made his return to Barnet’s matchday squad for Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat by Wrexham and was introduced from the bench just before the hour mark.

The England ‘C’ international had been left out of Barnet’s last four Conference fixtures and speaking after the Bees’ 1-0 defeat against the Dragons, head coach Martin Allen said he had been suffering from a thigh problem.

He said: “Keanu has had a thigh injury that he told me about last week and then I was told that he was going to Forest Green for talks, but that didn’t materialise so he wasn’t really available at the weekend.

“He came in yesterday [Monday] morning and said that his thigh had cleared and up and that he was not going to Forest Green - that is what he told me - so I had him in for training with the first team and when I worked out the subs it was natural to give him that slot.

Allen continued: “The week before he had a thigh, and after you’ve had a thigh you can’t just come back into training you have to train to get up to the right fitness levels.

“There are stepping stones that you have to take before you can actually go in and play, that’s obvious. Then with the ongoing talks with other clubs obviously it is not right to come in and play for our team if you are talking to other people.”

Those claims are at odds with the player, who tweeted prior to Barnet’s 3-0 win over Dover Athletic last Wednesday to confirm he was not injured.

The Hammersmith-born wide-man tweeted: “@KMarshBrown For Everyone Asking No I'm Not Injured”.

Marsh-Brown has started just once in the Conference this term, making four substitute appearances and scoring twice for the Bees.