... despite the fact that the youngster made his top team debut for Newcastle United on Saturday.
Saints boss Danny Lennon desperately wants the 21-year-old defender back on an extended loan move after his four-month loan deal at Saints – which included 19 appearances and two goals – expired last week.
Any temporary move back to Paisley will be dependent on whether Pardew can draft in experienced defenders to bolster his squad.
However, a deal would have to be done before the transfer window slams shut on Thursday, January 31.
Saints chief executive Brian Caldwell: “There’s still a good chance that Paul will come back up and rejoin us.
“Our understanding is that Newcastle United want to bring in defenders to help with their current injury problems and if that happens, we hope that will enable Paul to come back and rejoin us.
“Under FIFA rules, you’re not allowed to play for three different clubs in one season, so if Paul doesn’t play for Newcastle again this season, then he still has the option of coming back to us.”