Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson hinted in the weekly press conference that a permanent move for centre back Gabriel Zakuani is moving closer and the highly-rated star should complete a deal in the January transfer window.

Ferguson revealed that there are just 'one or two minor things to iron out', but is confident the Congolese international will make his loan deal permanent after the festive period.

'Gabriel has been a great loan signing and we are close to sorting things out permanently. We have agreed a deal with Gabby and there is just one or two things to iron out. Gabby is an out an out defender, he heads it and kicks it and it is superb the impact he has had.

'His loan deal expires on 13th December and then he will have to return to his parent club Fulham. He will miss the games with Leicester, Cheltenham and Millwall, but if everything goes to plan, he will be a Peterborough player in the New Year.

'He is still 22-years-old and is willing to learn. We will try and improve things with the ball at his feet, but he has all the qualities to be a success at a higher level and I have no doubt he can play in the Championship,' Ferguson said.