In-demand Ross Stewart faces a battle for his signature this summer as Sunderland look to fend off potential suitors.
The Scotland call-up has played a key role in firing The Black Cats back to the Championship and capped off an impressive campaign with a goal at Wembley in the playoff final.
Rangers are leading the race for a deal this summer but the likes of Sheffield United and QPR are also reportedly monitoring the situation.
This has sparked some drastic action from Sunderland as they look to offer the frontman a major boost in wages to keep him at The Stadium of Light.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is looking to "protect" the clubs key assets going into the summer window with Stewart top of the wishlist.
When speaking to The Newcastle Chronicle about Stewart's future at the club, Speakman said: "Look, there are several who would be in that batch of players that we think have got contracts, but that we want to protect the club and create the right structure.
"Ross has had an incredible season so for us, we're always trying to protect players like that who have performed so well and naturally, you want to try and reward players.
"It gives inspiration to other people as well (to perform) and you want to keep that cycle going. You want that culture at the club."
Stewart faces a big call over his future and whether to remain south of the border if Rangers make their move for the striker.
While the 25-year-old could be in for a bumper pay day if he stays in the English second tier, Gio van Bronckhorst 's are guaranteed a European stage next season.
The Ibrox side have a Champions League playoff but will have a spot in the Europa League group stage spot as a minimum having avoided the champions path due to Scotland's rise up the coefficient.
