Melbourne Victory have still not secured the signature of star midfielder Carlos Hernandez.

The Costa Rican international is currently on loan to the A-League champions from LD Alajuelense but the Victory may be forced to pay a hefty price if they want to sign him permanently.

The transfer fee may be too much for a club like the Victory to pay but there is optimism that he will remain in Melbourne despite rumours linking him with a move to America's Major League Soccer.