Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Kenny Jackett is hopeful that he can keep midfield star Bakary Sako at Molineux this summer.
Sako was strongly linked with Fulham and Nottingham Forest in pre-season, but Wolves managed to fend off the duo's advances and the 25-year-old has since played a key role in what has been an excellent season for the Black Country club.
Wolves proudly sit at the top of the League One table and a return to the Championship seems almost inevitable. However, Sako, who has one year remaining on his current contract, recently admitted that his ultimate dream is to play in the Premier League.
Jackett recognises that it could be hard to keep the player if a major top-flight club make an approach.
"He has a year left on his contract and he is happy at the club," Jackett told the Birmingham Mail. "I'm sure there will be some discussions with the powers-that-be in the summer as to what his future holds and what he wants to do. But I do see somebody that is settled and happy at the club."
Jackett added: "If there was a possible potential scenario that he could stay here, I'd be very positive to it. He is a player I have got along with, I think he is a good player and I have a lot of respect for him as a professional. I think it is one of those things that you will see in the summer what happens.
"Ultimately it will end up with who comes in for him. If a Premier League club come calling then that's really the bottom line. Then [it depends] on which division we are in. That's the thing, but for any player like that if somebody further up the ladder comes in with enough money... then it is all over really. Similarly, if nothing happens and there is no deal or whatever and he is here, I'd be very happy if he is here, very pleased. I'd continue to work with him and to pick him, as I have this year."
Sako has scored 22 goals in 75 first-team appearances since joining Wolves from Saint-Etienne in 2012.
Robert Summerscales
