For me, a simplistic evaluation of whether a price is good enough is:

1) Is he a critical part of our side? If we could get away with only Maddison, and Wes filling in when required, the answer would be no. Then it makes sense to sell for the highest amount so we can fund improving other, less capable areas of the squad. However, I think the answer is yes.

2) Can we replace him for less than the sale price? Even replacing him for precisely the sale price is a net loss as we then the risk that the replacement doesn't gel, and in any case have to invest time and patience in integrating the new player. I think the answer to this, in today's climate, is a clear no unless we are talking somewhere approaching 20m.

Of course there is also the issue of whether he would be throwing his toys out of the pram. It could happen, but so far Pritchard doesn't strike me as the type. I think eventually that might happen with Maddison.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Jan 9, 14:00:04