If he's not signing a new contract we HAVE to set a value that others are likely going to be willing to pay, otherwise we lose him for even less.
If we were fighting to stay in the league, or fighting for automatics, you could argue that keeping him and taking that risk would be worth it. But this isn't that kind of season. And we can afford to sell him now (IF he isn't going to sign a new contract).
Obviously in an ideal world he'd be signing a new contract. But I also can't see why he should / would when there is potential Premier League move in the offing either now or in the summer.
If I was his agent I'd be not signing a new contract but also not entertaining a move this January. I'd want him to go and score loads of championship goals and then become the main attraction of the summer transfer window, knowing that his value will be lower due to contract situation will also mean both agent and player get paid more in bonuses / salary.
Stewart would be crazy to move now.
If we were fighting to stay in the league, or fighting for automatics, you could argue that keeping him and taking that risk would be worth it. But this isn't that kind of season. And we can afford to sell him now (IF he isn't going to sign a new contract).
Obviously in an ideal world he'd be signing a new contract. But I also can't see why he should / would when there is potential Premier League move in the offing either now or in the summer.
If I was his agent I'd be not signing a new contract but also not entertaining a move this January. I'd want him to go and score loads of championship goals and then become the main attraction of the summer transfer window, knowing that his value will be lower due to contract situation will also mean both agent and player get paid more in bonuses / salary.
Stewart would be crazy to move now.