JAN Gregus could yet leave the Reebok in January after Dougie Freedman declared his intention to renegotiate his move from Banik Ostrava.

The midfielder, who was on target for the development squad in their 3-0 win over Bury on Monday, had been expected to make a year-long loan deal permanent at the start of the transfer window.

But Freedman says that decision is currently under review and has not ruled out the 22-year-old making a return to Slovakia.

“We have got an option to buy him in January and we are going to look at that,” said the Wanderers boss. “The bottom line is, is it negotiable yes or no?

“He hasn’t really featured as much as he would have liked to and it has been difficult for him. But he is a good player – I like him.”

Freedman has come under fire from some sections of the fans for not following through on his promise to bring younger players like Gregus through the development squad.

A handful have now been loaned out – with Tom Eaves at Rotherham, Cian Bolger at Colchester, Conor Wilkinson and Chris Lester at Chester – but Freedman insists that they remain in his plans.

The Whites boss has defended the limited first team chances handed to players such a Rob Hall.

“I think it would be very unfair to put these young players into the situation we have been in this last few months,” he said.

“I didn’t feel I could throw young players in when the team is on a low.

“Sanmi (Odelusi) has been coming on very well and I am desperate to get them in and give them a chance but there are fine lines with the situation we’re in between getting a result for the club and promoting the youngsters right now.”

Wilkinson scored on his debut for Chester while Eaves struck in midweek to put Rotherham closer to a Wembley final in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

And Freedman reckons the experience they gain elsewhere could see them return with a stronger chance of stepping into his team.

“I had a chat with the chairman on that only last week – I was happy because we had won but also that I had young players out there on loan getting kicked in the backside by a 35-year-old centre-half,” he said.

“That is going to be great for them because when they come back in a couple of months the club will hopefully be in a healthier position. I might not need to step into the January sales because I’ll have Cian Bolger having played 15 games for Colchester United in League One.

“There is a plan there.”