Thompson is being chased by Scottish Premier League club Kilmarnock, who have had an offer of £60,000 turned down.

They will have to increase that offer considerably to land the Northern Ireland striker, who has one year left on his current deal.

Jeffrey said: "We will not stand in Peter's way as long as all parties are satisfied with any deal that comes along. We are well aware that this is the last year of his contract and will be talking to Peter and all our other full-time players long before Christmas about the future."

Jeffrey, who realises that Thompson is keen to further his career to keep his place in the international squad, added: "We're not putting a price on his head, but ten years ago we paid £55,000 for Glenn Ferguson, so it is clear that £60,000 is obviously not an offer that is acceptable to Linfield Football Club for Peter.

"He is a fantastic player and a Northern Ireland international and if he left it would leave a massive hole for us to fill.

"I know though that Peter has chosen his career as a full-time footballer and he wants to go as high as he can in his profession. I think anyone could understand having that ambition."