Keeping Callum Brittain may prove tough for MK Dons

With MK Dons set to announce their 'retained list' in a matter of days, the surprises on there are unlikely to raise many eyebrows. However, the future of Callum Brittain could be the most important matter in the diary.

Bids have come and fallen short for the defender in the past, but with him out of contract this month, it is the first time his attention may be drawn away from Milton Keynes.

The young full-back has been a staple in the side almost exclusively since his goal against Oxford United in September 2017. Making more than 100 appearances for the club he joined as an eight-year-old, Brittain, now 22, has become a key man in the side. One of the precious few positive points during Dons' dismal 2017/18 campaign, which saw them relegated to League Two, Brittain's break-out season and England U20s call-ups made him one of the club's biggest assets.

Arguably better going forwards than he is as a traditional full-back, Brittain's pace, ability on the ball and versatility make him a valuable commodity not just at Stadium MK, but will have certainly peaked attention elsewhere too. He also comes across well in the media: not shying away from being critical of team and individual performances, while confident in his opinions and always has something to say - a rarity in some players.

A contract is likely to be on the table from Russell Martin to keep hold of Brittain for a few more years, but he will have offers from further afield for his services too. Should he depart, he would leave a hole in the side which would be tough to fill. The lure of change or the opportunity to play at a higher level would be hard to turn down for Brittain though.