Queens Park Rangers manager Chris Ramsey has admitted that keeping hold of Charlie Austin in January could be dependent on results between now and then.
The England hopeful was a target for numerous Premier League clubs this summer, but no side could match his £15m valuation.
Ramsey acknowledges that speculation will not die down if Austin continues to find the net in the second tier, and concedes that the star striker may move on if the Hoops struggle to compete at the top.
"We hope we do have the speculation because it shows he's done well, and he scores a hatful of goals, and we find it difficult to keep him," he is quoted as saying by Get West London.
"He then could fulfil his chances of playing for England in the Euros, especially as he's been developing his overall game. But right now, we're looking short and medium term.
"We'll see how success goes for us, and then look at the next transfer window. Everyone's got their price, but I'm happily flabbergasted that no one met ours in the last window."
Austin, who has scored 39 goals in 71 appearances for QPR since joining in 2013, revealed earlier this week that he rejected an approach from a top-flight side.