St Mirren manager Danny Lennon admits he would like to see Conor Newton remain at the club next season.
The 21-year old midfielder has been impressive during his loan spell from Newcastle United and with the likelihood of him becoming a free agent in the summer, Lennon feels he would be a great permanent addition to his Scottish League Cup-winning Buddies squad.
"He's certainly somebody I'd like to bring here," Lennon said.
"He's had a short period at the club but if things didn't go to plan the way he would wish at Newcastle, then I know that's we would all like."
He added: "The loans have worked well for us this season. While we are growing our own talent, we'll want to continue to bring in guys on loan.
"We have a relationship with both Newcastle and Rio Ave and it's credit to those clubs for having trust in us that we can develop their players.
"We've given them experiences they would never have had with their own clubs and it is a win-win situation for the players and the clubs."