I don't think anyone has said he has years on his contract and he can't leave, but four years on his contract gives the club the opportunity to say he is not for sale. That's not burying heads in the sand that's negotiation
Agreed. I have read a few times people just saying "but he's on a contract" implying a move won't happen, which is a little head in sand. I'd also prefer to think that saying "he's not for sale" meant that and was not a negotiation tactic.