NOTTS County are set to sit down with Luton Town in the new year to try and finally thrash out a deal for Andre Boucaud.
The two clubs have been haggling over the 28-year-old midfielder for weeks now – and Magpies boss Keith Curle expects talks to come to a head in January when the midfielder's loan at Meadow Lane ends.
The Hatters are demanding a fee for the player because they splashed out £25,000 to sign him from York City only ten months ago.
His stock has also risen because he has done so well for Notts in League One since joining them on a short-term deal at the start of this season. He has established himself in the heart of the Magpies midfield, playing 16 of their 20 league games.
Boucaud would have played more times, but was banned for three games in September after being sent off.
He also scored in a 2-1 win at Coventry City at the end of October.
It would be a big blow to the Magpies' hopes of winning promotion if they can't agree a deal with Luton.
"I think Luton want to open negotiations in and around the last week of his loan," said Curle.
"That is the time they want to sit down and thrash out a deal if there is one to be had."
Boucaud is set to miss the Magpies' League One game at Yeovil Town today with an ankle injury he suffered in their last league game against Swindon Town.
He originally returned to Luton for treatment, but Curle says he is now back at Meadow Lane to continue his recovery.
"We sent him to the expert of Luton's choice because he is their player," said Curle.
"That's been sorted out now and he's back here continuing his rehabilitation. Hopefully he will be available for selection very soon."
