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.
Outlook
Contract request risk increased.
Worried by a sustained scoring drought
Criticised in a full-time post-mortem
Minor
Cause
It was a private show of faith after a tough recent run.
Outlook
Manager intervention may be required if it persists.