Nigel Pearson is seeking clarity over Han-Noah Massengo's contract situation, admitting he doesn't want the stand-off to drag on much longer as he prepares to rebuild his squad ahead of next season.
The Bristol City manager confirmed the uncertainty over extending his stay at Ashton Gate has meant starts for the 20-year-old midfielder have remained limited. The Frenchman has started just one game in the last six matches which came in the absence of Joe Williams in the draw at home to Sheffield United.
Massengo's deal expires next summer and CEO Richard Gould admitted on Saturday that the club have made him "a good offer" to commit his future at Ashton Gate.
However, it appears increasingly ominous that Massengo will remain a City player beyond the summer ahead of the final match of the season. Pearson remains hopeful that he will sign his contract but remains realistic about the possibility of reluctantly letting him leave and highlighted the importance of generating as much transfer funds as possible.
"My perspective on it is, what he's been offered, he has been offered so he either takes it or leaves it," he said. "So if he decides not to sign it then it's in our interests to try and get as much money as we can for him because it's not about individuals and agendas. He's a lovely lad. He's played really well for us, he's very committed.
"I don't have a problem with him at all. There doesn't have to be a time limit on it but there needs to be clarity on what the situation means to us and hopefully, he will re-sign, but if he doesn't, then we'll look elsewhere because we have to.
"I don't think it's in anybody's interest for it to drag on and on and on because everybody needs a little bit of clarity.
"We've had conversations over the last few weeks and I've been very open with him to say that if he's not committing his long-term future he can't expect to start either. He accepts that because the team is more important than individuals.
"He's a super lad to have around the place, he's a decent player. He's got room to improve even more. What I can't do, is I can't answer the question on his behalf. What I can do is only answer it on what I think is the best outcome for us."
Massengo joined City in 2019 from Monaco for an initial £2.7million fee - a deal that could rise to £7m with add-ons. His potential has seen him linked with the likes of Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund and Watford, West Ham and Freiburg more recently.
French giants Lyon were the latest side to reportedly be showing an interest in his availability and Pearson was eager to point out there is no resentment regarding Massengo's final decision, praising the player for his ongoing work in the community.
"For players who run the clock down, we've invested a lot of time and energy and money in his development and so, in our situation, it's right that we get a return on that. That's the way it is," Pearson added.
"Like I say he's a good guy. During the pandemic and lockdown, he was very active in terms of working within the community, taking out food parcels etc.
"He wasn't alone by the way. But he is someone who recognises the humility of his humble beginnings and he's not lost track of that so hence from what I said, he's a great guy. I have to detach myself from great guy and what's right for us.
"We've had conversations over the last few weeks and I've been very open with him to say that if he's not committing his long-term future he can't expect to start either. He accepts that because the team is more important than individuals."
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