Nottingham Forest are looking to turn Jack Hunt's loan spell from Crystal Palace into a permanent move.
Hunt joined the Reds in the summer on a deal which will run until January, with Forest then having the option to sign the 23-year-old.However, an agreement for a permanent switch could now happen before the new year transfer window opens and Forest boss Stuart Pearce hopes that something can be agreed in the near future.
"We are attempting to keep him here on a permanent basis," Pearce told reporters following his side's goalless draw with Brighton on Saturday.
"We are speaking to his representatives and we have had a conversation with Palace, prior to the window shutting.
"There is an opportunity for us to extend his stay on a permanent basis, even before the window opens again. That is something we are working on doing.
"He is very keen to stay here, he is enjoying his football and is clearly enjoying working with us at the club. Hopefully we can get something done."
Hunt has not played a game for Palace, after suffering a fractured ankle in his first training session following a £2million move from Huddersfield just over a year ago.
But the full-back has impressed since joining Forest on loan, playing in all nine of the Reds' games in the Championship - starting eight of them.