Scunthorpe United’s hopes of re-signing David Mirfin on a permanent basis appear to have ended.

The centre-half, who joined Watford from Iron last summer, made just four starts for the Hornets before returning to his former club on loan in January.

The 26-year-old was a key figure in Scunthorpe’s move away from the League One drop zone, making 19 appearances without missing a game after his temporary switch back to Glanford Park.

Boss Alan Knill had hoped to make the move permanent but he told This is Scunthorpe: “I was with Sean Dyche on Saturday and he indicated Dave Mirfin is going to stay there.

“He’s their player so we have to go along with that, but we’ve looked at other alternatives and are continuing to do so.”