I've reached a point where if he signs, great, if he goes so be it - just get the transfer right.
However, if he does sign i'm really looking forward to seeing how the media will spin it after all the other things they've reported so far.
To be honest, I think this is the only way to approach this and keep your sanity in tact.
Whilst I've always been a fan of Rom, he has been pretty inconsistent during his first 3 seasons. When you mix that with his constant bleating about champions league etc, I was of the opinion that if he stays, he stays, and if he goes, let's make sure we get good money for him. I didn't expect him to still be here this season but admit I was pleased when he did finally commit verbally during the summer.
However this season I think we've seen a different player. I think his all round game has improved fantastically and, if anything, has become even more clinical in front of goal. We're starting to see the player he can become.
I still didn't think we would be able to hold on to him, especially given the obvious improvements. But then all the positive talks coming out about a new contract and you start hoping that you can keep him for another 1, maybe 2 years. Then the disappointment of 2 weeks ago, followed by the interviews, and all I can see in this is an agenda by the player and his agent to get their own way, which I find a bit distasteful if I'm honest. Now all these new rumours coming out about him signing again and fans building their hopes up again, whilst in reality I don't think anybody outside of Rom and his agent has a flying *@c* what is going on.
For me, the best way to approach this is to assume that he isn't signing a new contract. He has 2 years left on his current contract and the club will either decide to keep him or sell if a good enough offer comes in for him. I do believe the club is committed to improving the squad to compete for top 4 next season, so any money we get for Rom will go towards that end, in addition to whatever funds we already have set aside.
If Rom does sign a new contract, then I'll be delighted, but under no illusion that it secures his position here for the long term. It will put the club in a better position assuming they don't give in to any silly release clauses from the agents.