The chances of Hibernian signing Emiliano Marcondes on a permanent transfer have been assessed by Nick Montgomery.
The head coach insists he and the club would be open to signing the Dane, 29, permanently this summer upon the expiry of his loan from Bournemouth.
However, the manager has warned that the club will not break the bank for the move, or any other transfer for that matter, despite Bill Foley's £6m investment into the Easter Road club.
Marcondes has two goals in 11 games since his January arrival. He seems to be enjoying his stint in Scottish football so far, and has hinted that a permanent stay would interest him.
Montgomery told Edinburgh Evening News: "Look, that’s going to be down to Emi, as well.
"There’s no doubt we’d like to have a conversation with Emi. But that will be at the end of the season. Right now, we’re concentrating on finishing the season strong. Because that can help us, as well.
“For me, it’s about Emi enjoying himself at the club. He obviously likes the city, I get on really well with him, as do the coaching staff and the players. Emi’s not a kid. He’s at a good age in his career and I’m sure, come the end of the season, we’ll have those conversations.
“Emi coming to Hibs will have to fit within the budget that we have. Nothing changes on that. But definitely, we’d like to have those conversations with Emi at the end of the season, as we will cover all the recruitment we’re looking to do in the off-season.”
READ MORE: Kilmarnock's squad the 'strongest' in Rory McKenzie's 12 seasons at the club
Meanwhile, Rory McKenzie has paid tribute to the job carried out by Derek McInnes at Kilmarnock - hailing the current squad as the best he's seen in his 12 seasons as a first-team player.
The 30-year-old signed a one-year contract extension on Tuesday to maintain his stay at Rugby Park.
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