Cash-strapped Brentford FC will match any offers for Alan Bennett to keep him at Griffin Park until the end of the season.
The Reading defender's loan expires today, but the two clubs are close to thrashing out a deal to ensure he remains with the Bees.
And although Brentford announced a £500,000 loss this week, a club source said money is available to tie down the former Cork City player.
He said: "If Bennett wants to stay for the season the finances are in place to do so."
The Irishman's contract at the Madjeski is up in the summer, and he wants to stay and help Andy Scott's side's promotion push.
"When I signed the loan extension the talk was about one month followed by five months, so I fully expect to be signing a five-month deal this week," said Bennett. "Nobody else has come in for me as far as I know, but then players are always the last to find out about these things.
"But as far as I'm concerned, I'm just focusing on and preparing for playing for Brentford at Shrewsbury on Saturday."
Bees boss Scott has had a hotline to Reading this week in an effort to tie down Bennett, who has been one the key players in Brentford's promotion push.
Scott said: "I've spoken to Nicky Hammond at Reading a few times this week, and hopefully it'll get sorted before Saturday. Everyone knows how important he is to us."
