Port Vale striker Tom Pope does not see a reason see why Nottingham Forest youngster Jake Taylor could not return to Vale Park next season.
Sabri Lamouchi is understood to be keen to allow Taylor pre-season to impress him at the City Ground before making a decision on his future - but Vale are keen to land another year of his services.
Taylor has been in fine form for John Askey's side this term, scoring seven goals from midfield in his breakthrough professional season.
It is understood that Vale have made their desire to re-sign the 21-year-old known, but Forest believe he could have a big future ahead of him on Trentside.
"Fingers crossed the lads out of contract will sign," said Pope, when explaining how Vale could shape up next term.
"Because of the financial problems in the lower divisions at the moment, a lot of clubs will be struggling.
"It’s not quite the same team because our loan players Jake Taylor and Mitch Clark have had to go back and would be a big miss for us. But who is to say that over the summer we can’t bring those lads back?
"At the moment it is about tying the lads down who are out of contract and that makes the manager’s job a lot easier. The more players who sign the less he has to look for next year."
Taylor's agent, Phil Sproson, has said: "Vale have looked after him really well and that has been recognised.
“Once Jake got into the side then he started to fulfil his promise. He has a lot more to give, he is a very gifted player. But that gave me massive satisfaction," he added.
