Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock are hoping to sign the Northern Ireland international and Bailie says he would love to see Thommo fulfil his dream of playing across the water.

Jeffrey, who agreed a three-year extension to his contract - keeping him at Windsor Park until 2013 - would hate to lose his most priceless asset but his skipper says his team-mate must take the next "natural step" in his promising career.

Killie have had a £50,000 offer for the 24-year-old rejected but boss Jim Jefferies is poised to increase that offer considerably.

Linfield have already lost the services of strikers Thomas Stewart, Mark Dickson and Timmy Adamson and if Thompson were to leave Windsor it would seriously dent the club's hopes of landing silverware next season. Bailie, however, recognises Thompson's burning desire to sparkle on a bigger stage.

"We have to wait and see what happens but I hope he goes," said Bailie.

"It's the next step for him and he deserves this chance. He has won his first international cap, got his first international goal and now he has a chance to realise that dream of playing in England or Scotland.

"We would miss him but I hope he can move on. It would be a big step up for him but he would relish the challenge.

"The move may not happen but I would be happy to see his career take off in this way."