But, with reports suggesting Newcastle are set to swoop for the Bulgaria captain, supporters are becoming edgy, fearing they could lose one of their star players.

But Lawwell has assured them that retaining Petrov is the club’s top priority.

“It’s very early in the discussions,” he told the Scottish Daily Mail. “We started them 20 months early and there is no need for panic, we’ve got time.

“We had one offer from Fulham in the summer, but that was rejected out of hand.

“We know clubs will be looking but, equally, we know what we’ve got to work with and we will do all we can to keep Stilian.”