Dean Smith admits Aston Villa are braced for bids for captain Jack Grealish if they fail to go up again.
Grealish has starred in Villa's club-record 10-game winning streak which has secured their play-off spot.
Villa lost in the Championship play-off final last season to Fulham but are determined to go one better this term.
Yet attacking midfielder Grealish,23, may have to be sold to comply with EFL profit and sustainability rules if they miss out.
He stayed last summer despite interest from Premier League Spurs which saw Grealish pen a new deal until 2023.
But boss Smith expects prized asset Grealish to be in demand after six goals and six assists saw him voted into the PFA Championship team of the season despite missing three months injured.
Smith said: “It would be crazy if we didn’t get bids for him. But he has a long-term contract and he’s a Villa fan.
“He is captain of the club now as well. There are an awful lot of things to keep him at this club.
“He is the best player in the Championship and the best I have worked with - natural ability but a strong work ethic and strong mindset that people probably don’t see.
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“What he’s started bringing to his game now is goals and assists – he’s started becoming the player he can be.
“Jack missed 14 games but it just shows what his peers think of him to be voted into the team of the season - it is a great fillip.”
Villa travel to Leeds on Sunday chasing an 11th successive win but will be without top scorer Tammy Abraham, also in the PFA team of the season, due to a shoulder injury.
