Barnet have taken up their option to extend Sam Muggleton’s contract until the end of next season after Martin Allen revealed there had been interest in taking the defender on loan.

The left-back, 20, has made just one start in League Two this season – in the memorable 3-2 win at Oxford United – and has been used predominantly from the substitutes’ bench.

Speaking to the club’s website, head coach Martin Allen said: “Sam has done extremely well and has made a massive improvement.

"My phone doesn't stop ringing from clubs looking to take him on loan.

"He scored a hat trick last week in a reserve match and changed the game at half time when he came on against QPR.

"There is still a lot for him to work on but he is moving in the right direction."

Muggleton initially joined the Bees on loan towards the end of the 2013/14 season.

He joined permanently at the end of that campaign and made 16 appearances as Barnet won the Conference last season.

However, he has been used sparingly this season with his only league start coming on the left-hand side of midfield against Oxford.

Muggleton has made 16 appearances in all competitions this term.