Stage: negotiations are opening. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would offer an escape from his current situation. Starts would likely be easier to come by. He wants the club to listen if a serious bid arrives. Playing time would likely improve.
Their personalities have rubbed against each other for a while now. It played out behind the dressing-room door, away from the cameras.
Outlook
Likely to settle unless repeated within the next few weeks.
Turned down the move to Reading over personal terms
Minor
Cause
Stage: the player rejected the terms. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would offer an escape from his current situation. Starts would likely be easier to come by. He wants the club to listen if a serious bid arrives. Playing time would likely improve.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Unsettled by the squad wage hierarchy
Serious
Cause
The squad's wage hierarchy is the underlying issue. The gap to the squad's top earners has become a daily reminder.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would offer an escape from his current situation. Starts would likely be easier to come by. He wants the club to listen if a serious bid arrives. Playing time would likely improve.