Gary Johnson insists he wants Dele Adebola to be a part of Bristol City's future.

And he has proved it by refusing to sell the 33-year-old striker to Nottingham Forest, instead offering him a new Ashton Gate deal.

Out of contract at the end of this season, the former Coventry and Birmingham target man was the subject of an undisclosed six-figure bid from Forest boss Billy Davies at the weekend.

But Bristol City dismissed the offer out of hand and told Forest not to bother coming back before inviting Adebola to open talks.

The veteran striker responded by scoring twice and taking his goal tally for the season to six as City came from behind to beat struggling Charlton Athletic 2-1 on Tuesday night.

And Johnson admits he wants the big man to stay and be a part of the future he is building at Ashton Gate.

"I'm glad Dele is staying until the end of the season," said Johnson.

"There was no way I wanted to lose him to Forest.

"They are a Championship rival and we're not in the business of selling our best players to our rivals.

"But I'm looking further ahead and I want Dele to still be here next season."

He added: "Once we'd turned down Forest, we had to offer him something. We couldn't just let his contract run down.

"There's a deal on the table for Dele and we'll be opening negotiations very soon.

"Every team needs a 'Big Bertha' and he's our 'Big Bertha'. He offers us pace and power and he showed what he's worth to the team by scoring those two goals."

City chairman Steve Lansdown demonstrated his ambition by fending off bids for Adebola and star midfielder Marvin Elliott during the January transfer window.

Wolves tested City's resolve when offering close to £2m for Elliott, only to be warned off by their Championship rivals.

Johnson said: "We've worked very hard to build a squad of players we believe can take this club forward and the last thing we want is to be seeing them off.

"Fortunately, the chairman sees it the same way and I'm pleased we've been able to keep this group together.

"Marvin and Dele understand the situation and it's one I think they both accept.

"I was pleased for Dele when he scored his goals, because it will help cheer him up. Forest are a big club, but they're below us in the table and we're looking to put ourselves in a position where we can push for the play-offs.

"I want Dele and Marvin and the rest to be around for that – and I hope they'll still be around next season."

Asked about the Forest offer, Adebola said: "I have heard bits and bobs about the bid, but unfortunately as players we have little control over these things.

"It is flattering that a club has put a bid in for me because it means I must be doing something right.

"You just have to take it as it comes. You are told what you are doing and you have to put these things to the back of your mind.

"The chairman and the manager have showed their faith in me and they want me here.

"I am happy to stay because I feel I am doing well, the lads are playing well and we have a chance of being promoted.

"It would be hard for me to want to leave Bristol City."