In-demand Ross Stewart faces a battle for his signature this summer time as Sunderland look to fend off potential suitors.
The Scotland call-up has performed a key function in firing The Black Cats again to the Championship and capped off a powerful marketing campaign with a purpose at Wembley within the playoff closing.
Rangers are main the race for a deal this summer time however the likes of Sheffield United and QPR are additionally reportedly monitoring the state of affairs.
This has sparked some drastic motion from Sunderland as they appear to supply the frontman a significant increase in wages to maintain him at The Stadium of Gentle.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is trying to "shield" the golf equipment key belongings going into the summer time window with Stewart prime of the wishlist.
When talking to The Newcastle Chronicle about Stewart's future on the membership, Speakman mentioned: "Look, there are a number of who could be in that batch of gamers that we predict have gotten contracts, however that we wish to shield the membership and create the best construction.
"Ross has had an unimaginable season so for us, we're all the time making an attempt to guard gamers like that who've carried out so effectively and naturally, you wish to try to reward gamers.
"It offers inspiration to different individuals as effectively (to carry out) and also you wish to maintain that cycle going. You need that tradition on the membership."
Stewart faces a giant name over his future and whether or not to stay south of the border if Rangers make their transfer for the striker.
Whereas the 25-year-old might be in for a bumper pay day if he stays within the English second tier, Gio van Bronckhorst 's are assured a European stage subsequent season.
The Ibrox aspect have a Champions League playoff however can have a spot within the Europa League group stage spot at least having prevented the champions path attributable to Scotland's stand up the coefficient.