Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu has dropped a broad hint that he would sign for City if given the chance.

The Congolese striker wants to fire them into the FA Cup third round by beating Tranmere on Saturday - even though he may not be at Valley Parade if they make it through.

His loan from Gillingham is up on New Year's Day, four days before the next round takes place, and the Kent club have not yet revealed whether they will take him back.

Ndumbu-Nsungu has repeatedly expressed a wish to stay beyond January. And with his contract up in the summer, he has not ruled out the possibility of a permanent move.

"My contract finishes at the end of the season and I'm a free transfer in the summer," he said. "You never know what can happen but fingers crossed I will be able to stay.

"I don't know anything yet about the loan. But I think my agent will speak to Gillingham either this week or next.

"Gillingham have got a new manager now (Mark Stimson) but he has brought in two or three strikers so they may not want me back anyway.

"There's only one month to go so I need to know myself as well as the club.

"I definitely want to stay here if I can. I love playing in front of the big crowds and I'm really enjoying myself being here with all the boys and the gaffer."

Ndumbu-Nsungu is City's top scorer and took his tally to six last week with a spectacular strike from outside the area in the 1-1 draw with Stockport.

Now he is aiming to follow that up by shooting down Ronnie Moore's visitors in front of a home crowd likely to be swelled by up to 1,500 Tranmere fans.

Ndumbu-Nsungu added: "I'm really excited about this game because it's a good chance for us to show what we can do against a team from the division above.

"We are getting more confident as a team. Last month we were struggling with five defeats in a row but we haven't lost for four games now so we're on a good run.

"It would be great if we could beat Tranmere and then get one of the really big clubs from the Premiership. And hopefully I will still be here so I can play in that game."

  • Start or join a debate on this issue in our online forum - Click here