Motherwell fans hoping to see Matt Penney stay at Fir Park beyond January could be left disappointed after Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna said the defender will "see out" his loan at Fir Park before his future at the English League One club is decided.
The 24-year-old has been a big hit with the Steelmen supporters since signing a six-month loan deal in August and he has gone on to pick up the club's player of the month awards in October and November, playing 15 times.
Penney is 18 months into a two-year deal with the Blues, which includes an option for a further season. But the Blues may be keen to cash in on him or loan him out elsewhere, unless Motherwell manage to make a solid case for him extending his stay in ML1.
Penney's performances for Steven Hammell's side on loan haven't gone unnoticed and if the Englishman is to return to his parent club next month it would be a big blow to Motherwell, as they try to haul themselves out of relegation bother in the Scottish Premiership.
Motherwell are currently 10th in the table after their 10th defeat in 18 games on Wednesday night away to Rangers.
At Ipswich's press conference earlier today to preview Monday's clash with Lincoln, Blues boss Kieran McKenna was asked about Penney's future at Town.
And he said: “Matt Penney’s loan expires in the middle of January, so for the moment he’s playing and playing an important role and doing well there.
“That’s good and he’ll see out that loan move and we’ll have discussions in a few weeks’ time with him about what the next step is."
Motherwell are back in action on Monday when they travel to Livingston for their first game of 2023.
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