If Long has decided he wants to move back South and pushed for that then honestly I'd rather let him go than refuse. Look at any team and players unhappy where they are lose that extra bit of determination, that drive. We have a squad who've all worked hard together, and continue to do so, but if we start getting disgruntled players in the dressing room that can soon change. It's to be expected that some will draw attention of supposed bigger clubs and if their herat is no longer at City it's better for all parties that we let them go.
Right now it's all speculation as to who initiated things. Maybe Long went to the club and insisted he wants to go, maybe the club accepted a high offer without talking to him first and then said he should accept a deal with them.