Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Bento is determined to hang onto midfielder Simon Vuckcevic.

Manchester City, Bolton and Middlesbrough are amongst the clubs said to be taking an interest in the Serbia international.

Vukcevic was left out of the recent Portuguese Cup final victory over Porto which his agent Zoran Stojadinovic, claims left the 22-year-old upset.

"If you do not play, you're not happy - that is logical," said Stojadinovic. "Everyone wants to play, so let's see what the future says. If it was only this game, then it is nothing - otherwise we need to find a solution.

"If he is not in the plans of Paulo Bento - then it is better he does go elsewhere."

Bento, though, has responded by saying he wants Vukcevic to stay.

He said: "I understand the dissatisfaction of Vukcevic about not playing and I can understand we are now talking about it. However, I do not understand that you do not want to help your team. Vukcevic did not turn up because he did not want to go.

"But as I say, I want Vukcevic to continue with Sporting."