or what if NC sold the "project" to MP/players and his departure was just part of an agreement with his family to return home after 5 years. The "financial situation" does not exist all this is as per original plan to maximise return on initial investment for future sale.
All the best to Rickie! but why sell before the world cup for such a low fee?
Surely his value potentially increases with a good performance at the World Cup and what about the prestige/value to the club of having 3 English players at the competition?
If he is going, I wish our board will grow some balls and not roll over immediately. One small parcel of mercy would be to see Shaw & Lallana compete in the world cup as Saints players.