John Eustace has not given up hope that Blackburn Rovers can renew Tyrhys Dolan's contract, admitting it would be a huge boost for the club.
The 22-year-old has been involved in protracted discussions over fresh terms which have lasted for well over 12 months. The current expectation is that Dolan will assess his options in the summer and leave on a free transfer.
Rovers would be due compensation regardless due to his age but that would not be at the same level as the club would expect in the transfer market.
Eustace conceded that it would be a big statement for Rovers to find a breakthrough and he wants the club to retain their best players.
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"I think it would be a massive boost for the football club," Eustace said.
"Ty is a young player with a lot of experience under his belt now. He's been a great servant for the club until now. If we're going to build and keep growing, we have to keep our better players.
"Ty is up there and in that bracket. It would be a big statement to keep him. I think it's clear how all of the whole squad are to me by the way they perform and play.
"They're fully committed to the team and I am to them. I want all the players to stay and be fighting to get into the team. Competition for places is key.
"We want to keep as many players as we can here. I have been in for coming up to 10 months and you can see the progression in the group.
"They're improving and it is my job to develop the players who are here as well as get results."
Dolan is expected to see out the season regardless of what happens with talks over a new deal. Eustace would like the situation resolved by the New Year to give both parties clarity for their planning.
"I think for both parties, it would be great (to know by January)," Eustace said.
"We as a group, staff and players, want to improve this football club and keeping our best players is part of that. We also want to bring good players to give those players who have really performed a boost as well.
"It's important to invest in the right areas and compete in the right areas with a very good squad. I am confident (to keep him) but it's out of my hands. I want the boy to stay.
"He's a fantastic lad and he's fantastic to work with. We have to get that level of consistency from him week in, week out but we have to remember he is 22.
"He's growing and long may that continue. There's a lot of talent there and he's a young player. We have to remember, losing Sam Szmodics last year with 30-odd goals, someone has to step up.
"Ty has tried to take that mantle on and he's enjoying the responsibility. In the second half of the season, I'd expect him to score and create more goals."
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