Luke Freeman looks set to spend pre-season with Sheffield United, as his Nottingham Forest loan officially comes to an end.
The Reds do hold an option to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis, but it is one they are not expected to take up.
Freeman endured a frustrating campaign at the City Ground, after making the switch last summer, with injury significantly limiting his game time.
He made 25 appearances in total, with his sole goal coming against Bristol City in October, but he struggled to find top form.
He missed the final two matches of the season after being forced off in the 1-1 draw against Stoke City with a knee problem.
And Paul Heckingbottom, who is interim manager at his parent club, says it is expected Freeman will be back at Bramall Lane for pre-season - adding all the Blades’ loan players need clarity soon on what their futures hold.
"I don't know if anything is happening at that end (Forest transfer decision) and stipulations in terms of dates, but we are expecting Luke back here," he told YorkshireLive.
"We have had a lot of players out on loan, the likes of Luke, Rhys (Norrington-Davies) has been at Stoke, and we have lots of players out whose seasons have come to an end, but everyone's situation is different.
"It is something that we need to look at for them, so they can be best prepared as well for the start of next season.
"Their priority and our priority with them is making sure their plan is correct for the end of June when they are back in with us to be in the best possible place."
