OXFORD United are monitoring Jonjoe Kenny this summer over a potential return on loan for next season.

The full back was part of Michael Appleton’s promotion-winning side, making 20 appearances after joining from Everton in January.

Kenny returned to Goodison Park and made his Premier League debut last month, setting up a goal in their 3-0 win over Norwich City.

The regular football with the U’s helped earn Kenny a place in the England squad which will compete at the UEFA European Under 19 Championships next month, playing Mexico in a warm-up game on Monday.

Appleton ideally wants to sign a right back on a permanent deal, but the head coach revealed Kenny was being considered.

He said: “There’s no doubt about that, he did well here.

“We’ve got to see that as a positive because we’re a club that’s not just been successful, we’ve developed a lot of players and Jonjoe is one of them.

“Everton think very highly of him. As it stands I get the impression they want him back for pre-season, which I completely understand.

“Whether (signing him) is an option at the start, middle or back end of pre-season, we don’t call the shots on that one.

“Everton are the ones in control and they may even see him being very close around their first team.”

Kenny was certainly keen on a return last month, telling the Oxford Mail he “would love to come back”.

The situation may change with Ronald Koeman expected to take over at Everton shortly, although United’s relationship is with David Unsworth and Joe Royle in their under 21 set-up, which is unlikely to change.

Appleton has struggled to find a long-term solution at right back, relying on loanees Joe Riley, George Baldock and Kenny over the past two seasons.

All three were youngsters and there is every chance whoever comes in this summer will be a similar age.

Appleton said: “We can be quite clever and utilise that right back area if we feel we need to.

“We have players in different areas that bring experience.”