Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore has confirmed the club are in talks with Everton concerning the long-term future of Lewis Gibson.
The defender has only managed one appearance with the League One side since making a temporary switch in the summer thanks to injury.
The 21-year-old's only appearance of the campaign so far, starting against Bolton Wanderers earlier this month, ended at half-time due to a muscle injury.
After confirming Gibson would be out for a "considerable amount of time", Moore explained Wednesday have opened dialogue with Everton regarding the loanee.
He said (via YorkshireLive ): "Right now, it would not be right for me to give out certain information because we are still having the talks.
"What I would say is he is going to be out for a little bit of time now.
"We will have a chat with Lewis and we are talking with Everton now in terms of where he is at and how best to deal with that situation.
"As and when we give clarity and are clear on the situation, then we will be able to give you that."
Moore was also questioned on whether Wednesday would be in the market for another left-sided centre-back in the coming January transfer window.
"Potentially we will have a look. We are not at that stage yet. We will have a look when it comes up to January," he added.
"At the moment, we are thinking there is a lot to be thinking about right now with the team in terms of going forward. It would be wrong for me to say now what decision we are going to make.
"Once I get more clarity from both clubs (on Lewis), we will have a chat. Nothing has been decided at all.
"Lewis has sustained an injury and we are monitoring him at the moment. We are giving him rehab to see the length of time before when he is back in."
