Werder Bremen are confident they can keep hold of Max Kruse, who was linked with Liverpool and Everton in last summer's transfer window.
The Bundesliga club managed to keep hold of Kruse, but Premier League sides could come sniffing around again when the transfer window swings back open – and Werder Bremen want to be ready to repel raiders.
Kruse will only have a year left on his contract in the summer and Werder Bremen are working overtime to lock him down on a fresh deal.
Frank Baumann, the club's sporting director, has struck a confident note that northern German club can succeed.
Speaking on NDR 2, Baumann said: "I am optimistic that we can convince Max that Werder continue to be the right club for him."
relatedNewsStory
If Kruse opts against signing a new deal, Werder Bremen may be forced to cash in, something which could alert the 30-year-old's Premier League suitors.
The attacker has made 26 appearances in the Bundesliga for Werder Bremen so far this season, contributing with an impressive eight assists and six goals.
Werder Bremen sit in 12th spot in the Bundesliga standings with three games left to play.
