Dundee United are working to secure defender William Edjenguele on a new long-term contract.
The 29-year-old Frenchman has been a stand-out for the Tangerines since joining up at the end of August following a spell with Greek Super League outfit Veria.
In his 18 appearances since, United have kept eight clean sheets and have an average of less than a goal a game against.
That’s been a major factor in the rise up the Championship to second place, just a point behind leaders Hibs.
In addition to his own performances, the former Coventry City man has impressed via the influence he’s had on those around him.
The coaching staff believe it’s no coincidence central defensive partner Mark Durnan has enjoyed his best run in the team since Edjenguele arrived.
That and his own form has prompted United to open talks over a deal to keep him at Tannadice well beyond his present contract, which runs out at the end of the season.
While nothing has been signed yet, the club are hopeful he will put pen to paper soon and pledge his future to them for at least another couple of years.
Meanwhile, United are on course to take the best part of 2,000 fans to Edinburgh for the clash with Hibs on Friday night.
Having sold out their initial allocation of 1,000 tickets for the lower tier of the away stand at Easter Road, they took delivery of a further 900 briefs for the upper tier.
Most of those tickets have now also been snapped up and, with home fans also moving quickly to book seats, the game could be close to a sell-out despite being shown live on terrestrial television.
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