St Mirren are in talks with defender Mateo Muzek in a bid to extend his stay into next season.
The Croatian’s six-month contract expired following Sunday’s playoff win over Dundee United, but St Mirren boss Oran Kearney is keen to keep him on board.
The Paisley Daily Express understands that the club and Muzek’s representatives are looking to thrash out a deal that would keep him in Paisley.
The 24-year-old was one of 10 players drafted in to the club during a hectic January transfer window that ultimately transformed the side’s fortunes.
Penning a short-term deal from Kazakh side Shakhter Karagandy, Muzek was a complete unknown after being snapped up to provide cover for the injured Lee Hodson.
Muzek deputised in the left back role for much of his appearances following Hodson’s ankle injury against Celtic in January.
And the left-sided defender also showed his ability to play on the left of a back three alongside the likes of Jack Baird and Mihai Popescu.
He featured for St Mirren on 16 occasions last season, including being brought on as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s playoff victory.
Saints hope that they will be able to convince both Muzek and Hodson to extend their stays as they get to work in gearing up the playing squad for next season.
Muzek has spoken about how much he has enjoyed playing in Scotland — and he previously revealed he would be open to extending his stay.
He said: “Having a short deal is a good pressure to have because you want to prove yourself.
“We will see what the summer brings. I would love to stay here.”
Muzek is one of only a handful of players out of contract with the Buddies following the end of the Premiership campaign.
Anton Ferdinand and Adam Eckersley have already departed the club, while question marks remain over the futures of Gary MacKenzie and striker Simeon Jackson.
