Kevin van Veen is unlikely to return to Kilmarnock next season, admits Derek McInnes.
The Dutchman arrived on loan from FC Groningen on deadline day last month after a dramatic three-way tussle with Motherwell and St Mirren for his signature until the end of the season.
He's yet to open his account for the Rugby Park side having made six appearances so far, with five of those from the bench.
McInnes has cited match fitness issues holding the 32-year-old back from starting over either Kyle Vassell or Marley Watkins, who have proved to be a trusted partnership for fourth-place Killie.
And while the 52-year-old wants as many good players at his disposal as possible, he insists the financial possibilities differ massively between a short-term loan and a permanent deal.
He said: "It's all right to take a financial hit on an 18-week loan, but he has two years on his Groningen contract, so that one's unlikely."
On the other hand, Will Dennis, Stuart Findlay and Corrie Ndaba are three loan players McInnes is more hopeful of being able to retain after the summer.
READ MORE: Stuart Findlay addresses possible permanent Kilmarnock move
All three players - on loan from Bournemouth, Oxford and Ipswich respectively - have played key roles in a successful campaign in Ayrshire so far.
"We have two or three in mind that we'd like to keep," he added. "If we can persuade the ones we'd like to re-sign to do so, we shouldn't have a lot of work to do this summer.
"The three players we have on loan who've played regularly are the ones we would like to stay for next season. I don't know whether or not that'll be possible.
"But in the grand scheme of things, compared to last year when we had to butcher the old squad and bring so many people in, this year's recruitment has a more relaxed feel about it. I'm really enjoying working with the squad I have at the moment and I want as many of them as possible to be here with us next season."
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