Joel Piroe is set to stay at Swansea City, WalesOnline has learned.
The Dutch striker has one year left to run on his current deal with the Swans, and has already indicated he has no intention of signing an extension.
A departure has subsequently felt inevitable for much of the summer, with Leicester City, Leeds United, Southampton and Atalanta all expressing interest over the last couple of weeks.
However, he is now expected to stay as a Swansea player for one final season.
It’s understood Swansea’s valuation, which is believed to be around £15million, is a partial sticking point to securing a sale this summer.
However, Piroe’s representatives are also unhappy at Swansea’s proposals on how to structure a potential deal, having previously agreed the terms of a sale with former chief executive Julian Winter.
Agent fees were likely a key part of those discussions, and the club’s new regime is understood to be unwilling to offer the same terms for a deal this summer.
Swansea could yet accept a bid for the forward, but unless they are willing to structure a sale that satisfies Piroe’s camp, a move now seems unlikely.
The news will be a huge boost to Swansea from a footballing perspective, with Piroe currently one of the Championship’s most deadly strikers, with more than 40 goals to his name in the last two seasons.
However, the prospect of losing one of their most valuable assets for nothing next summer will undoubtedly be a troubling thought for the Swans hierarchy.
Commenting on Piroe’s future after Saturday’s pre-season win over Reading, Michael Duff once again stressed the club hadn’t yet received a bid.
“I anticipate interest because he’s a good player,” he said.