Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is determined to keep hold of Steven N'Zonzi.
The Sentinel says talks have hit a delicate stage amid reports that Stoke's recently-crowned player-of-the-year wants away this summer and will not sign a fresh deal.
Hughes, not for the first time, is ready to intervene personally to try to persuade his prize midfielder into remaining long term.
Hughes has previously won over the 26-year-old Frenchman after apparent fall outs with the club in the last two summers.
Chief executive Tony Scholes said: "Steven's a great footballer, and obviously player-of-the-year, and we would dearly love to keep him, but we will see."