Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth says the club have no intention of selling midfielder Anis Mehmeti in January, but admits that if his valuation is met they may consider any offer.

The 24-year-old, who spent time in the academies of Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City as a youngster, joined the club in September 2020 and has made an outstanding impact, scoring 18 goals in his 89 appearances.

Mehmeti more than held his own during the Chairboys' one-season stint in the Championship following his arrival and has gone on to show his quality in League One, with seven goals last season.

But it is this campaign where Mehmeti's form has significantly improved, he has already beaten his tally from last term, netting eight times so far. He has also contributed with two assists and played a starring role in Sunday's 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Adams Park, opening the scoring before setting up Garath McCleary to secure all three points late on.

Mehmeti, who has also played for Albania at youth level, committed his future to Buckinghamshire a year ago when he extended his contract until June 2024.

Ainsworth was full of praise for his prized asset, but conceded that his side could be vulnerable if someone comes in with a sizeable offer.

"He is an unbelievable talent," Ainsworth told the Bucks Free Press.

"We picked him up on trial a couple of years ago after being released from Norwich and Spurs, and we found him playing for Woodford Town in the Non League.

"His story is insane as he has learnt his trade by playing in those tight cages in London.

"He has worked his socks off and whenever he plays, it’s as if he has got his own ball.

"What he has is ridiculous and I know it’s something that I cannot coach, but I can help him get into the positions in which he can receive the ball and hopefully do some magic.

"And if anyone wants to put £5m, £6m, or £7m in then we might consider letting him go.

"But hopefully we can keep him in January."

The verdict

It has been an excellent season for Mehmeti so far.

In a campaign where the Chairboys have struggled to find the form consistently we have come to expect from them in this division, Mehmeti has stepped up and is the top scorer at the club.

On his day, he is one of League One's most exciting attacking talents and it seems only a matter of time before he gets a bigger move to a higher level.

It seems unfair for Wycombe, given that they spotted him and gave him his opportunity that they should lose him, but as Ainsworth himself admits, a bid of over £5million would be hugely financially beneficial for the club and almost impossible for them to turn down.

Mehmeti would be an asset for any Championship club, but it remains to be seen whether he will attract significant interest in January or if anyone will be prepared to meet Wycombe's valuation, particularly given some of the limited budgets in the second tier.

Ainsworth will be hoping he can keep hold of his key man at least until the summer as he looks to continue their recently improved form and get another play-off push going.