Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is hopeful Scotland star Duhan van der Merwe will turn down a lucrative move to France in favour of staying in Scotland.
The wing, who reclaimed the Scotland try-scoring record with his 30th international try in Sunday’s win over Australia, had been linked with a move to La Rochelle, among other clubs.
But Everitt is now confident the 29-year-old will remain in the capital.
He said: “We’re having positive talks with Duhan at the moment. We’re hoping he is going to stay.”
Everitt also confirmed van der Merwe is among the Scotland internationals who will be in contention for the visit of Benetton to Hive Stadium on Saturday evening.
"He has got a hamstring tear and that takes time to heal,” Everitt added.
“Knowing the nature of the beast we’re not going to rush him back, we’re going to make sure that he makes a full recovery.
“It's just a pity that Harry has gone through some adversity as far as injury is concerned over the last 24 months so it’s important to get it right."
But the Edinburgh head coach believes they have enough cover in the squad.
He added: "We’ve got Nathan Sweeney coming back, Ross McCann played well for Scotland ‘A’ so we are covered in those positions and should the need be, we’ve got the option of playing Matt Currie on the wing as well. I’m quite happy with the cover we’ve got.
“There’s also opportunities for youngsters over the next few weeks, like Lewis Wells, if we have any more injuries.”
Scotland lock Sam Skinner could also make his first appearance of the season on Saturday having recovered from a knee injury.
“He’s brought a lot of energy over the last couple of weeks,” the South African said.
“It’s been frustrating for him to sit on the sidelines.
“He struggled through the latter half of last season with the same knee injury and he’s feeling like a new man now he’s gone through an extensive rehabilitation. He can’t wait to get on the field.
“He’s got a lot of experience, not only in the Premiership and Test rugby but he’s respected here within our group.
“It’s great to have a guy like Sam coming back. Likewise we’ve got James Lang coming back which adds to our depth and it is quite exciting for us going forward.
And after making his Scotland debut against Portugal, then winning the Player of the Match award for Scotland ‘A’ in Saturday’s win over Chile, teenage star Freddy Douglas is also in the mix to make his Edinburgh debut.
“We’re monitoring his progress,” Everitt said of the openside flanker.
“I think he has done well. He is a youngster learning his trade but at the same time he’s got an X Factor which is being able to jackal really well.
“When we sit down and discuss selection for this team, I’m sure his name will come up.”
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