Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has revealed he will hold talks with Tom Cleverley about his future.
Villa have an option to buy the Manchester United loanee in January but Cleverley's contract at Old Trafford expires in June.
Everton wanted to sign the England international in the summer but failed to agree a deal with United, allowing Villa to resurrect a deadline day move which looked to be over.
The club have no deal in place for the midfielder in the summer and Lambert is planning to sit down with the 25-year-old.
"I have the option to buy in January but I have got him for a season long loan anyway. I would definitely try but a lot will depend on finances," said Lambert, who has Cleverley available for the Boxing Day trip to Swansea after suspension.
"I will have a discussion with Tom and sit with him and see what he thinks. He is still a Manchester United player.
"But the great thing about Tom Cleverley is he has been brilliant here. His enthusiasm for the game and the way he plays the game is great.
"The way he is around the place is great. I am pretty sure he loves his football here.
"He has been a credit to himself and Manchester United with the way he has conducted himself.
"I think he has played really, really well, he has years ahead of him to play.
"I am pretty sure he will not want to keep sitting around, knowing Tom Cleverley as I do in a short space of time he won't want to sit on the bench."
The Scot is also looking to keep skipper Ron Vlaar and midfielder Fabian Delph, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, next month.
He does not expect to lose them and does not have a strict transfer budget for January and will work on a player-by-player basis with chairman Randy Lerner and chief executive Tom Fox.
"That's exactly the way it works, I don't have a problem," he said.
"We have had one or two chats on the phone with Tom and Randy, if something comes up and Randy thinks it is feasible and affordable and right for the club then I am pretty sure he will have a look at it.
"But we have to get into that position where we need a position filled."
Source: PA
