since they brought the perm position up, you could do it 就坡下驢. Have you sent out the after interview thank-you note? You could write something like:
Dear johnny, thank you for taking your time interviewing me last friday....I really like the job, which is exciting/challenging ...I am thrilled when you mention the perm position in your group. It'd be perfect if I could be put in the perm position, which I consider a leap in my career path...
Meanwhile, pass the information to your agent, who would be happy to hear the news. If you got hired as perm, he would receive a lumpsum commission, which is a great advantage for him as well. It is a win-win game should you play it well.
