Valerien Ismael believes Tyrhys Dolan has the perfect environment to succeed at Blackburn Rovers but will likely receive more financially lucrative offers elsewhere.
The 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer and is expected to leave Ewood Park. Contract talks have been ongoing in the background for two years but a breakthrough has never been close.
It's been clear since the summer that Dolan and his team will wait to assess their options in the summer. Rovers will make a final contract offer and will therefore be due compensation if he leaves for another club due to his age.
Dolan is ending the season in a real purple patch, having posted the best goal-contributing numbers of his career. It's evident that Ismael would love him to stay at Rovers.
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However, the head coach is realistic that if it comes down to money, Ewood Park will not be Dolan's first choice.
"So we talked to him, we talked with his agent. We will make an offer. So we will be in the battle," Ismael said.
"I know that he will take his time, for sure. He put himself in that situation where he can wait till the end of the season, go in on holidays and assess the situation, what will be for you. We have to be patient on that one.
"It makes sense. But I won't say that we are the first on his list. The only thing I can say, we give him the love he needs.
"He knows the environment he has. He knows now the way we want to play. We suit him perfectly.
"Now he's much more dangerous. We put him higher on the pitch in those areas when he can be more effective. So I think in his decision it will be important that he plays for next season.
"If he's playing and enjoys his environment then we have a good chance. If it's about money, big money, then I'm not sure that we are in the first place."
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