Wales under 21 international winger Brown joined the Reds from Championship outfit Cardiff City at the end of November but his current loan deal is due to finish after Saturday's trip to Ebbsfleet United.

However, Saunders is hoping that Bluebirds boss Dave Jones will allow Brown, who has made made seven appearances for the Reds in all competitions, scoring two goals, to stay on at The Racecourse.

"I am hoping to keep Jon and I will be talking to Dave Jones," said Saunders. "We have more or less agreed it.

"I would like to keep Jon for as long as I can so we have to see how long they will let us have him.

"Jon has done well for us and I have been pleased with him."

Brown was returning from South Wales on Christmas Eve when his car overturned near Welshpool and although unhurt, the 18-year-old had to smash a window to get out of the vehicle.

However, Brown did not tell Saunders about the accident until after playing 90 minutes in the Boxing Day draw at Barrow 48 hours later.

"Jon should have told me what had happened but he wanted to play," added Saunders. "That was a bit of inexperience on his part but at least he is alive.

"It shows that he is determined to keep his place in the team and committed to the cause – and that is the kind of player I want here."

As well as Brown and Sam Williamson, who is set to join Wrexham on a premanent basis when the January transfer window reopens, two other loan players' current deals are up after the weekend trip to Ebbsfleet.

Saunders has to decide whether to apply to entend the loan spells of Manchester City midfielder Angelos Tsiaklis and Liverpool's Ryan Flynn, also a midfielder.