Grant McCann is out of contract with Cheltenham next summer

The 26-year-old was the Robins' record signing when he joined from West Ham for �50,000 in January 2003 but is out of contract next summer.

Any loan deal for the Northern Ireland international could be made permanent when the January transfer window opens.

However, another Championship club is thought to be interested and could mean a scramble for McCann's services.

McCann, who has won nine caps for Northern Ireland, has played 17 times for Cheltenham in League One this season, scoring five goals.