Nigel Pearson has issued a hands-off warning to any club that wants to prize Antoine Semenyo away from the club.
Bristol Live revealed on Friday the club have opened contract talks with the in-form striker in an attempt to fend off interest from Premier League suitors but also reward him for his outstanding form over the last 10 weeks.
Semenyo, 22, currently has 16 months left on his contract but City have the option to extend it for an extra 12 months meaning the club have some extra security when inevitable transfer interest arises in the summer.
The forward, who became the first City player to win the Championship Player of the Month since 2017, was the subject of a bid from promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest on deadline day January which fell well short of City's £20million valuation.
Manager Pearson remained bullish in his stance on Semenyo's future admitting it will take a fortune to tempt the club into cashing in on their prized asset.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to Swansea, he said: "We're very glad we have him and if somebody else wants him he's going to cost them an awful lot of dough so keep your hands off. We've got him for two-and-a-half years.
"It (the contract) never just looks after itself. Of course, we want to retain his services for as long as we can. He's currently got a year-and-a-half left with a year's option in our favour so we've got him for two-and-a-half years to at least persuade him to stay, whether that materialises or not I can't give you a definitive answer.
"But we have time to work on those possibilities but I can't speak for other people's intentions and it will take a lot of money to get him out the building."
Semenyo is settled in Bristol and has made it no secret of the influence Pearson has had on his game, particularly since coming back from injury. He was forced to wait until December 4 to make his first start of the season following persistent knee niggles having been forced to undergo surgery at the end of last season.
He has raised his game particularly in the last month with four goals and three assists in his last six matches to take his season tally to five strikes and six assists in 11 Championship starts.
Speaking on his time spent on the sidelines and in the treatment room, Semenyo revealed it could have been a blessing in disguise and Pearson further praised his maturity while challenging him to push on to the next level.
"He's maximised what he has and that's all you can ever ask on players, for young players to recognise the need for the reflective process I think that's a really mature thing to say," Pearson added.
"It's very interesting to hear him say that but for him to recognise the potential for a learning experience even when he's not playing I think is - don't underestimate the size of that comment in itself. He's an intelligent lad, I think he's also very grounded and humbled sort of guy with a very strong link to his own family.
"I'm pleased for him because I think he will recognise his team-mates have certainly helped him to maximise that himself, so it's good for him, good for us but now the challenge is to go on from what he's already done."
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