Middlesbrough winger Marcus Browne looks set to leave the club on loan, according to Boro boss Neil Warnock.
The 71-year-old confirmed that a loan move for Browne could suit the player, despite impressing since he took the job last season.
The 22-year-old has made three appearances for Boro this season and scored an equaliser against Bournemouth just two weeks ago.
Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, Warnock said: “It’s an awkward one because I’m not sure even Marcus himself knows.
“It’s one of those where he’s kind of in-between either that position or this position.
“In an ideal world, it would be better for Marcus to go out [on loan] and play.”
The Boro boss hinted he would like to keep hold of the winger, but feels a move away would help ahead of a return to the Riverside.
He added: “I think he’s done so well for us in pre-season that I do want to have a look at him right until the end.
“If he can do a job for us and he wants to do a job for us – and it does appear that he wants to do it – then I don’t think we should rush into a loan move until January.
“We’ll definitely be talking to Marcus in the next few days,” he said.
Warnock cannot guarantee Browne regular football, despite a strong start to the season. Having spent last season on loan at Oxford United, the U’s would be keen to bring the winger back to the club for a third spell.
He scored five times and added four assists following his January move last season, including in the League One play-off semi-final first leg against Portsmouth.
U’s boss Karl Robinson is looking to bring a left sided winger to the club, and Browne would fit the bill.
