LIAM GRIMSHAW is ‘hopeful’ a deal can be struck between Manchester United and Motherwell to keep him at Fir Park.

The Old Trafford reserve team captain has shone in claret and amber since moving north at the start of the season, racking up 16 appearances so far for the Well, the latest coming in Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Cove Rangers.

Originally brought in by Ian Baraclough on a short-term loan, the 20-year-old’s time at Motherwell is due to expire this Sunday, meaning the Steelmen’s trip to Tynecastle the day before is potentially his last outing in Mark McGhee’s midfield.

However, SportTimes can reveal talks have been ongoing between the Ladbrokes Premiership side and the English giants about extending Grimshaw’s spell in Lanarkshire.

And the man himself, whose United contract expires in the summer, is keen to see a resolution found before the weekend.

“Obviously we are on a great run at the minute and that is helping me enjoy it even more,” he said. “I was loving it when we weren’t winning games so this is even better.

“My loan is up on the 17th which is the day after the Hearts game, so we will have to get something sorted this week.

“Hopefully we will get something done and see what happens.”

Grimshaw has formed an integral part of the Motherwell side that has shown such resurgence in the last few months under McGhee.

His energy and willingness to chase every loose ball has made him a fans’ favourite already, and his partnership on the right side with full-back Josh law has also flourished.

That was evident at the weekend when the pair combined in the second minute to set up Louis Moult for an early opener.

“Any cup tie is always going to be tough, especially when you are playing a team from a few divisions lower and they are treating it like a cup final,” said Grimshaw.

“If you are not fully at the races you can get turned over so I think we did really well.

“The early goal settled down and after that we created a lot of chances. We went 4-0 up in the first half and I don’t think we took the foot off in the second half. I know we didn’t score as many but we could have had a couple.”

The man from Burnley is clearly hoping this weekend’s trip to face Hearts is not his Motherwell swansong.

Regardless of that, though, Grimshaw is relishing the prospect of sampling one of the best atmosphere’s Scottish football has to offer.

Motherwell went down 2-0 there back in August, three weeks before the Old Trafford graduate migrated north on transfer deadline day.

It has not stopped him craving a taste of the Tynecastle atmosphere, though, and he is looking forward to not only savouring the occasion but trying to extend Motherwell’s unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

“I didn’t play in the game back at the start of the season but I’m looking forward to this,” he said.

“A few of the lads have been saying it’s one of the best grounds up here. I’ve seen it on the telly and the atmosphere looks brilliant because the fans are really close to the pitch, so I’m looking forward to going there and hopefully getting the three points.”