St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas last night insisted he is keen to keep hold of on-loan midfielder Mehdi Abeid beyond the end of this season amid interest from rivals Ross County.
County manager Derek Adams has indicated he wants to take the Newcastle playmaker to Dingwall next term and is poised to explore the possibility of a move for the 20-year-old in the summer.
Both clubs are already involved in a dispute over Staggies skipper Richie Brittain, who has signed a pre-contract deal with the Perth outfit, and they could yet be on another collision course over the Magpies’ youngster.
However, Lomas admitted yesterday he would love to see Abeid in a Saints shirt again next season.
“We want to give him the platform to play and go on to a higher standard,” he said. “It will be very much down to Newcastle but we’re certainly speaking to them and always have been. He’s a lovely lad and I think he’s enjoyed being here.
“We’ve told him and told his agent that we want to bring him back next season if that’s possible. He’s come here looking to play football and he’s done well for us.
“I can understand why other clubs would be interested in him. But it’s totally wrong to say that we’re not wanting to keep him.”
Lomas also revealed his belief that reports Newcastle suggesting are keen to offload Abeid in the summer are off the mark.
“Mehdi has another two years on his contract so I don’t know where the story that they’re getting rid of him has come from,” he added.
“As far as we’re aware that’s unfounded because Tommy Wright is big mates with Willie Donachie and he’s been in constant contact with him,” said Lomas.
“We’ll have to wait and see what Newcastle say about it. But knowing Alan Pardew, he’ll want his young players out playing. That’s his way.
“Coming to the SPL lets them get out of their comfort zone, gets them playing at a good standard.
“Mehdi is injured at the moment but he’ll be coming back up from Newcastle to watch the game on Saturday.
“He’s been back down there getting treatment so we’ll see how he is when he gets back up the road.”