Wotte was speaking out after Swansea City drew 2-2 at St Marys yesterday afternoon amongst reports in the papers that they were ready to offer £750,000 to secure Dyer’s services from Southampton.

But Wotte says that Dyer has the same potential as Theo Walcott – another former Saints star – and urged his board to hold onto one of their prize assets

Wotte said “It was on my advice that we gave Nathan a three year contract in the summer because I’d worked a lot with him in the reserves.

“He had a bad period in his life but I had confidence in the boy and I’ve kept in contact with him.

“He didn’t play a Sheffield United and it wasn’t his best decision to go there but now at Swansea he is doing very well.

“But as far as I’m concerned we will use him again next season because I think he can be a world class player like Theo Walcott.

“He has the same potential as Walcott and someone like Aaron Lennon.

“My advice to the board will be to keep him for next season – but I am not responsible for the financial situation so I can’t make that decision.”