Because he's definitely leaving as his contract runs out at the end of the season. I would guess permission to talk to agents is granted and then you need to agree the deal. Tottenham, Rangers, Celtic and others linked with him only in the last week or two (plus Blackpool randomly). Similar to the rumours on Sancho having agreed his Man Utd contract IF a fee was agreed.
Hmm if others mentioned are keen then we might struggle financially unless the lure of immediate football is the draw.
Im not up on the free transfers regs mate I always assumed it was foreign clubs only who could talk contracts at 6 months. if the administrators have got any sense they’ll sell him this week to get some cash rather than let him walk away At 19 this lad has made a decent start and seems to have bigger clubs after him too, we’d do well to get him
At least it’s not another Callum, Jordan or Jacob... John Stones. Now that’s a proper footballer’s name..
It's different in this country. I don't think they can sign pre-contract agreements with clubs in the same country, but I meant more that he's destined to leave Wigan so his agent sounding out contracts isn't really an issue - it's just you've then got to agree the fee with Wigan as they'll have their own tribunal fee in mind if they wait until Summer to sell.
If he’s out of contract, it will go to compensation tribunal because of his age. Or it used to..? I suppose that can’t be sorted until a player knows where he’s going? I’m probably wrong, it does happen..
Noooooooooo. Not what I'm saying at all. Wigan resigned to him leaving no matter what so happy for him to speak to other teams. But he'll only leave now if that team then agrees a fee - otherwise it's the Summer and a tribunal sets it.
why would they be happy for an under 23 player to speak to other clubs if they’ve turned down a transfer offer? The rules stare we can’t speak to him as he’s under contract. Celtic could speak to him but we can’t. I understand the agent will know a wage he’s likely to get and tout that about but the current owners wouldnt be happy with this, he’s there asset
He's definitely leaving though mate. There's zero chance of a new contract but they're in financial disarray still. If he can find a club now that will pay more than the tribunal forecast they've got in mind, they'll take it. He's basically available for transfer.
He isn't free in six months though. He has a value. It will be up to Wigan/the administrators to decide if our offer is worth taking or gambling on in the Summer