Motherwell supporters are living in hope that they will see David Turnbull wearing claret and amber again next season.
The midfielder is expected to join Norwich City for a fee of around £3.25million after talks broke down with Celtic this week.
But eagle-eyed fans noticed that he has been allocated a squad number for next season at Fir Park. Not only that but it is a change from the number 28 he wore during the last campaign.
Motherwell announced their squad list on Wednesday and Turnbull is listed wearing the number 7 shirt.
Now fans are hoping it means Norwich will be sending him back to Fir Park on loan for next season, or at least until January.
@mfclauren said: “That number 7 seems pretty decent” while @Del1589 added: “Excellent stuff, number 7 is a terrific player.”
Another, @AndyBozzie said: “Turnbull back on loan, taking the #7”
@_RossMcAteer added: “New number 7 looks great.” while @Charvey17 said: “Turnbull back on loan?”
Turnbull burst onto the scene at Motherwell last season where he became a vital part of Stephen Robinson's revitalised squad.
He netted 15 goals in 30 Premiership appearances over the course of the campaign and earned a call-up to the Scotland U21 squad.
He was named SFWA young player of the year after narrowly missing out to Rangers winger Ryan Kent for the PFA Scotland award.
Speaking at the time, he admitted Motherwell might prefer a loan back if he was sold.
He said: "I'm not sure my future here will be up to me.
"If clubs come in and put a bid in for me, it's a sign that I'm doing well but it won't be up to me.
"If someone offers a lot of money, I'm sure the club might want to take it - then maybe look at a loan back or something like that.
"I'm just trying to focus on doing what I've been doing here at Motherwell. I'll come back next season and see what happens."
