He said: "We know everyone fancies Nic, who wouldn't? But we want to keep him and, if he went, we would have to buy a Rooney or Tevez to replace him.
"If we can keep Nicolas, we can be going for Europe again and perhaps even for the Champions League.
"He has a lot to say and has a big influence in the dressing room. He's part of our committee and makes sure our feelings are heard."