Nottingham Forest manager Stuart Pearce would still like to sign Jack Hunt in January, but admits that Crystal Palace will need to lower their "ludicrous" asking price.
The 23-year-old right-back joined the Reds from Palace on a half-season loan in the summer after the two clubs failed to agree terms on a permanent transfer.
Hunt's performances in Forest's promising start to the Championship campaign has increased interest in him from elsewhere, but Pearce wants him at the City Ground long term and will make a move if Palace drop their valuation.
He said in the Nottingham Post: "The situation with Jack Hunt remains an ongoing thing.
"If the valuation from Palace changes, we will act upon it. But the value they are talking at the minute – it would be ludicrous for me to ask the chairman to put his money to it.
"I have spoken with Jack and his people and they are acutely aware of the situation. It is no reflection on them, it is just that the valuation they have put on him is too high."
Pearce and Forest's January plans for Hunt may have to be put on hold if they are issued a transfer embargo for failing to meet new financial fair play regulations.
Joe Fish
