Derby County manager Gary Rowett says striker Chris Martin remains a big part of his future plans.
Scotland international Martin, 28, has been on loan at Fulham this season, but in December indicated a desire to return to the Rams.
"I spoke to Chris. The general feeling is he wants to come back," Rowett told BBC Radio Derby.
"He's contracted to the club, he's coming back. He's a player I think the team has missed."
Martin was allowed to leave Derby last summer by then manager Nigel Pearson and has gone on to score 11 goals in 31 appearances for Fulham.
However, after Steve McClaren returned as Rams boss, Martin tried to cut short his loan deal, only for Fulham to refuse - and in a further twist to the saga, he signed a new contract at Pride Park in January.
Speaking on BBC Radio Derby's Sportscene programme, Rowett said: "At this moment in time, Chris Martin is our player and I fully expect him to be here next season."