Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admitted that Giles Barnes' loan move from Derby County could be made permanent, but only if the price is right. Barnes, 21, joined on loan in January but has not started a first-team game.
"It's a loan deal until the end of the season and we have an option to buy him," said Hodgson.
"We will have to look into that when the time comes. Apart from anything else it will be a question of how much money is involved."
Barnes, now fit, has admitted he has his heart set on signing a permanent deal at Craven Cottage in the summer.
"I'm sure he'll be involved. He's been a bit unlucky since he's arrived in that our results have been pretty good so it's not easy to break in," added Hodgson.
"He's done very well in the reserves, he's looking a much fitter individual.
"He's a vibrant character and his enthusiasm in training every day is a joy to see.
"He seems to enjoy being here and we enjoy having him, albeit that enjoyment is temporary in that I can only keep him happy over a longer period if I give him some chances - and at the moment I haven't given him many.
"So he's entitled to be less happy than he seems to be. But I certainly haven't written him off."