I think you also need to put the potential windfall of a promotion into the equation, its what £300 mill if they come up, he could be the difference, and its not like they will have to sell him for Bobbins if they dont come up, they will get 20-30 mill next summer anyway if they want, he will still be under contract. so at most I would imagine it will cost them £10mill, and that seems to be a gamble they are prepared to take.

I don't blame Southampton for playing hardball about it, I would expect us to do the same with Branthwaite and Harrison.