Nigel Pearson has claimed the club are still negotiating a contract with Han-Noah Massengo but admitted he is a realist about the midfielder's future at Bristol City.
The 20-year-old's current deal expires in 2023 meaning this summer could be the last opportunity to cash in or risk losing him for nothing - something Pearson is not eager to entertain.
With City's current financial predicament, letting Massengo run his contract down into next season remains slim, especially considering the interest his performances have generated throughout the two previous campaigns.
Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have reportedly scouted the Frenchman in the past, while Bundesliga club Freiburg were apparently willing to pay £6million for him and Watford had a summer bid turned down in the region of £8.3m last summer.
Massengo was the poster boy for the announcement of Hummel's six-year contract extension on Tuesday, leaving some speculating that he will remain at Ashton Gate heading into next season.
But while Pearson admitted talks remain ongoing, he confirmed that he doesn't know what the future holds beyond the summer and the club will be reluctant to be left in the unknown over his situation.
Speaking ahead of Bournemouth, Pearson said: "I wasn't aware that he was front and centre so thanks for letting me know - he's contracted to the club and he's been a good performer for us this season as he has been last season.
"We're still trying to negotiate a new deal with him but outside of that, I don't think you can read into that or not. I've already said that what's important is that we don't allow players to run the clock down and that's my view.
"Whether that's shared by the club, and to my knowledge it is, I think with Han-Noah being involved in a shoot like that confirms what we all think and that is, we would like him to stay here longer but I don't have a crystal ball.
"I can't tell you how that's going to go in the summer but I'm just very realistic about these type of things."
Massengo was signed in the summer of 2019 for an initial fee of £2.7m, which also included add-ons but his value has continued to rise having become an important figure in Pearson's side.
He has already made over 80 Championship appearances over three years, highlighting his current ability and potential which will not leave him short of potential suitors when the market opens.
After posting losses of £38.4million, a significant reason for the high figure was the inability to offload previous assets having seen the likes of Liam Walsh and Famara Diedhiou leaving the club on free transfers.
Massengo is just one of few players whose futures remain uncertain beyond the summer with Timm Klose, Robbie Cundy, Callum O'Dowda and Andy King out of contract at the end of the season - although the club do hold a year's option on the latter pair.
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
