Paul McGinn admits Motherwell will need to 'keep the wolves from the door' this summer if they are to hold on to record-breaking striker Kevin van Veen.
But he insists the club will make sure they get good money for their talisman if the Dutchman decides to call time on his spell in ML1.
Van Veen's stock continued to rise yesterday as he netted for the 11th game in a row to break the post-war record for goals in consecutive top flight games and also smashed a 103-year club record held by Hugh Ferguson.
His fifth minute strike in the 3-2 win over Dundee United saw him end the campaign on 29 goals and it is sure to have potential suitors come knocking for 'King Kev' this summer.
The Steelmen are heading to van Veen's homeland for pre-season training next month and while McGinn hopes the hitman - who still has a year left on his Fir Park contract - will be still be there for the trip to Delden between June 24 and July 1, he knows it won't be an easy task to hold onto him.
He said: "We know we are going to have the wolves at the door, but I'm sure the club will make sure, if he does go, we will get what is due.
"We've got a pre-season camp in Holland at a place Kev knows and says it is a really nice place, so hopefully he is there for it.
"It was great to see us sharing the goals. It wasn't just King Kev and it shows we are a threat elsewhere.
"We've got a few weeks off now and it's only a few weeks. You don't get those big, long summers anymore, so we'll see what happens.
"It will be feet up for a wee bit and making sure we don't lose our fitness.
"There's only so much you can look forward to in pre-season, but hopefully it will be a nice place with some nice food."
Post-match van Veen suggested his time may well be up at Fir Park, as the 31-year-old seeks possibly the last big move of his career.
He told the BBC: “Whatever the decision is going to be I love this club. I’m going to be emotional whatever happens but I do need to decide that.
“Right, I’ve got to make a last step. I’ve got to be honest this is going to be financially upgraded but in saying that I love this club.
“I need to communicate with the club and they probably need to communicate with me.
“They are probably thinking they can get a high figure. I want to help the club and help myself eventually as well.
“I’m definitely not forcing my way out in a negative type of way. That’s not who I am.”
Meanwhile, McGinn played his part in making sure Motherwell ended the season in seventh spot in the Premiership.
The defender made a goal-saving clearance to deny Steven Fletcher in the first half and admitted injuries to the regular defensive partners Dan Casey and Callum Butcher in recent weeks showed during the game, so he was pleased to see the side rally from 2-1 down to win thanks to Blair Spittal's strike and a Max Johnston header late on.
He said: "We got there at the end. Maybe the changes in defence and bodies that have been in the cold a bit showed.
"It took us a while to get to grips with how they were playing, but when we did I thought we could score goals at will.
"We are not too pleased with the two goals conceded, but we'll take 3-2 all day long.
"We have been quite lucky with the run we've had with the back five, but today we had Dan [Casey] injured, Butch [Calum Butcher] injured, Max [Johnston] on the bench.
"It was just a wee bit off, it wasn't horrific, but these things happen and I'm glad we've overcome it to get over the line."
On his vital contribution, he added: "I just sort of got back in panic stations. I knew he [Fletcher] was going to shoot so I just got back quickly and, luckily, he's not hit it that clean so I could get to it."
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