“There will be players who are interested because of what they’ve done in the last few seasons, and if they want to pursue that interest, as we’ve discovered with a few of the others, we must be open to it.

We want players who are eager to represent our football club, so if a player wants to do so, we will welcome and keep them. If a bidder wishes to explore it, we approach it with open eyes, so I am open-minded with several of our players.

“He suffered a minor groin injury in preseason; he’s working his way back, and I’ve really enjoyed working with Chongy.

He was injured when we first arrived, and we only got him back for the last four or five games, which was disappointing not to have him more, but we’re looking forward to having him back, and if he’s here, we’ll undoubtedly be a stronger squad for having Chongy.

But we also understand that because of his pedigree and the level at which he has played in recent years, he will almost certainly attract interest.” In Mengi’s case, the former Manchester United youngster, who has been capped twice by England U21s since also moving to Luton in the summer of 2023, has played in the 3-0 friendly victory over Boreham Wood.

Prior to missing the last two games against NK Triglav Kranj in Slovenia and a behind-closed-doors match with Colchester United. He is another player who has been linked with a move away during the offseason, and when asked about the centre back, Bloomfield said, “Ted is the same.

Ted was obviously fantastic in the Premier League two seasons ago; however, he was injured when we first arrived, and we only had him for the final few games of the season. He’s been fantastic in pre-season; he’s worked extremely hard. He’s missed the last two games due to a minor back issue, but we hope to have him available on Tuesday at Southend and tomorrow at Gillingham.

“He got through training the last few days fine, so if he can be on the bench tomorrow, that would be fantastic, if not Tuesday. But, again, Teden has been in the England U21s squad; he will inevitably be interested, but so far, so good, and his training output has been fantastic. So, if he’s still here at the end of the window, we’ll have a better squad, and if the right offer comes in, we’ll have to be open to it.” Finally, Zimbabwean international Marvellous Nakamba is still with the club, after another injury-hit season in Bedfordshire, where he played only 23 times. The former Aston Villa midfielder started six of the first eight games

Bloomfield was in charge before injuring his calf in a 2-0 loss to Watford on February 23, and was limited to one substitute appearance after that.

Bloomfield, who has only played 34 league games since joining on a permanent basis two years ago, said: “Marv has been a fantastic player for our football club, but he’s someone who played in the Premier League two seasons ago, and he’s attracted interest.” He was here with us in pre-season, so I believe he’s in the same situation as Chong and Mengi.

If he’s still here at the end of the window, he’s a member of our team; if we get the right offer and Marv accepts it, we’ll talk about it later.”