Former Middlesbrough, West Ham United and Wigan Athletic playmaker still a free agent months after exit

An attacking midfielder also capable of operating on the wing, he had tasted Europa League football with the Hammers and impressed on loan at Oxford United.

He had also had a stint at Wigan Athletic, although was afforded just one outing during his time with the Latics.

Jonathan Woodgate was in charge of Boro at the time of his arrival and said: "Marcus is an exciting, hungry young player who wants to come and play for this football club. He's just what we need.

“He can play in three different positions and he is quick. I watched a lot of games for Oxford last season and he's not only the type of player we want here, but he's also the type we can improve, and he will get better."

Browne managed just 22 appearances for Boro and spent time back on loan at Oxford. He eventually signed for the U’s on a permanent basis in 2022.

He was part of the Oxford squad that sealed promotion to the Championship last term, although missed a significant portion of the campaign through injury.

At the end of the season, it was confirmed he would not be following the club into the second tier.

His injury history may prove worrying but at 26, Browne is arguably not even close to hitting his peak.

As a free agent, he is available to sign for any club with space in their squad and may just prove to be a tempting option for those seeking flair in the final third.