Everton's Lukas Jutkiewicz keen to stay at Motherwell
By John Barnes
Jutkiewicz has scored 10 goals during his loan spell
Lukas Jutkiewicz hopes Everton do not demand a fee that would prevent his loan move to Motherwell being turned into a permanent one. "It would be a shame if Everton were to price me out of a move here," said the English striker.
"It wouldn't make sense to ask too much because I'm obviously out of contract next year."
Motherwell boss Craig Brown, though, believes his best hope of retaining the player would be on loan again.
Brown believes other clubs, more able to pay substantial fees, would enter the fray should Jutkiewicz become available for transfer in the summer.
Nonetheless, the striker, who has scored 10 goals for the club this season, would be interested in prolonging his stay at Fir Park, particularly should Motherwell qualify for Europe.
"It's obviously an incentive, but even without European football I've been really happy here," he added.
"So next year I'd love to see myself here. Fingers crossed that can happen.
"Unfortunately it's not completely in my hands, having a year left on my contract with Everton.
"From a business point of view, they'll look to get a little bit of money out of me this summer, otherwise they risk losing me for nothing next year.
"I expect I'll be having a meeting with the manager (David Moyes) at the end of the season to see exactly what his plans are."