Stage: loose rumour. The national press has carried the story. The link is speculative for now. The same rumour keeps coming back. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: the player rejected the terms. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would be a lateral move. His ambition makes the link hard to ignore. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: concrete interest. The interested club has formally approached. It would be a lateral move. His ambition makes the link hard to ignore. The talk has begun to distract him.
Stage: negotiations are opening. Briefings from the interested club leaked. It would be a lateral move. His ambition makes the link hard to ignore. The talk has begun to distract him.
Outlook
Expectations may build after a stand-out moment.
Breakthrough into the senior squad
Stung by a half-time roasting
Minor
Cause
It was a private show of faith after a tough recent run. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.
Reassured by a calm full-time message
Minor
Cause
The moment called for a quiet show of support. He does not always respond well to pressure, which softened the lift.
Outlook
Trend is improving — relationship should keep strengthening.
Frustrated after the club rejected interest from Vegalta Sendai
Moderate
Cause
Stage: the bid was rejected. It became public after the bid was rejected. It would be a lateral move. A bid has already been rejected. The talk has begun to distract him.