By Luke Cawdell

Febian Brandy has been given the green light by Manchester United to join Gillingham for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old, pictured, spent the weekend mulling over the decision in what will be a vital period for the youngster whose contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer.

Gills boss Mark Stimson is keen to keep hold of Brandy after the diminutive front-man netted twice and turned in a series of impressive displays during his two-month loan spell, which ended after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Swindon.

Stimson said: "It’s just up to the lad and his advisor whether he agrees to that. We hope he does because he’s been brilliant for us."

Should Brandy choose not to extend his stay then Stimson has another target lined up, but he is ineligible for Tuesday's FA Cup trip to Accrington.

"We’re going to wait and see what Feb decides to do," said Stimson. "If he decides to join us, and hopefully he does, then we probably only need to bring one more in. If he doesn’t then we may need two."

One of the two is almost certain to be Colchester's Scott Vernon, who was on loan at Priestfield earlier this season.