Barnet boss Martin Allen has suggested an agent could have turned Matt Stevens’ head after the teenager was made available for transfer, but insists there is no hard feelings between the pair.

The 17-year-old was transfer listed this afternoon after turning down a new contract with the Bees.

As the striker, who has attracted interested from Manchester United, Manchester City and Crystal Palace as well as a bid from Swansea City, is still only a scholar the Bees will be entitled to compensation when he joins another club.

With his current deal expiring at the end of May it is now a matter of when rather than if the former Reading youngster leaves The Hive.

“It’s a big disappointment because he’s a terrific lad who’s been training with us on a regular basis for the last two months in the first team,” Allen told the Times Series.

“But nowadays agents are everywhere. People’s heads get turned. His attitude has been spot on. He’s never shirked anything and I hope he goes on and does very well.

“I’ve done everything I can to persuade him to stay,” continued Allen. “The chairman offered him a contract a couple of months ago which was rejected.

“I got involved recently and tried to persuade Matt and his dad that Barnet was the best place for him. They don’t see it that way.

“There are no hard feelings between us.”

Stevens became Barnet’s youngest player when he appeared as a substitute against Alfreton Town in October 2014, aged 16.

He scored his first senior goal in the 6-2 FA Trophy first round replay in December of the same year and has made seven appearances for the club.