Heskey’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season and the former Liverpool man has not wanted to start talks over a new deal yet.
“Emile has 10 months to run on his contract and he is choosing to let it run down, which is his prerogative,” Bruce told The Sun.
“But I don’t want to lose him. We’re building a decent side here and he is a big part of that.
“I haven’t even thought about what might happen in January. I don’t want to. But there’s still hope.
“Emile was outstanding again for England against Croatia. You can bet your life Wayne Rooney enjoyed playing off him.”
