PSV Eindhoven coach Philip Cocu admits they face selling Memphis Depay.
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham were both linked with summer moves for the Dutch winger following his impressive form for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Brazil.
Depay put an end to the transfer speculation by signing a new PSV deal in August but Cocu's comments are likely to spark a January battle for his signature.
Speaking to Dutch magazine Helden, he said: "Of course Memphis will be sold, you can't stop that but it's okay.
"It's great you can build up a player like him, who breaks through, succeeds at PSV then leaves the club when he's ready for a bigger step. That's great.
"I really thought it would be the best for him if he stayed here with us. It's important for him to play around fifty matches in a season before he makes the next step.
"Nothing else makes you a better player than a lot of games. He can become way better, he's so explosive."
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