Daniel Farke wants Alex Tettey to stay at Norwich City but admits the ball is now firmly in the midfielder's court.

Tettey is expected to return for the Championship run-in, after suffering a gashed foot in the 1-1 draw at Barnsley prior to the international break.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at Carrow Road this summer - although sporting director Stuart Webber confirmed recently he had opened talks with the Norwegian's advisor - but City's top brass is unable to match his existing terms.

Tettey forced a way back into Farke's plans after a bit-part role earlier in the season, and the head coach would love him to stay.

'I always praised his importance. He is a role model,' said Farke.

'You can always count on him and he will always deliver. Even if he is on the bench he will support the players or if he was not in the squad he would be supporting on the training pitch and in the stands.

'He has been crucial for our team this season.

'The contract is a topic for Stuart Webber. We are in touch with the player and there is a lot of communication with his agent.

'We will see if there is a solution.

'All I can say is I am pleased with his performances and I know he will be here whether it is for a few weeks or for another 10 years.'

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Farke has now had two transfer windows to adjust to the demands of building a squad who can compete for promotion while losing the likes of Jacob Murphy, Jonny Howson and Alex Pritchard.

James Maddison's City future is set to be the hot transfer topic for this coming summer, but Farke is relaxed over inevitable fresh speculation.

'I think about my own life as a coach, I always fulfilled my contract,' he said.

'Even when I had other options and I was always allowed to do that - which is not easy in the coaching business.

'I am not naïve.

'I know what can happen in this business and if James grows even quicker than the club there will be interest in the future and he might have to move.

'But it will be a situation where it works for him and us at the right moment.

'He has a contract which he signed. I am not concerned.

'Life is too short to worry about losing someone.

'I know we have him here for the next months and I can enjoy working with him.'