Manchester United are ready to let Roy Keane leave in the summer rather than break the bank to try and persuade the influential Irishman to stay.
While Keane stunned Old Trafford officials last night with the timing of the announcement that he expected this season to be his last at the club, it is not a development United's hierarchy were completely unprepared for.
During the summer, high level discussions took place over the likelihood of Keane's contract being extended beyond 2006.
A final decision will not be made without further consulatation between chief executive David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson.
And with the Glazer family pledging not to take part in any negotiations, it appears the Irishman is correct in his assertion that no offer will be forthcoming until much later in the season.
Even before the latest twist, one senior United source confided to PA Sport the possibility of Keane finishing his playing career away from Old Trafford was not one the club were totally against, in the belief they could eventually entice him back with a job on the coaching staff.
Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz admits the player is irreplaceable.
"You don't replace great players like Pele, Maradona, Eusebio or Roy Keane," said Queiroz. "You just create new players in new teams. That is why the game moves forward.
Instead, it seems certain Keane will be free to open negotations with any interested parties outside England in January, putting Celtic in pole position to land the influential midfielder, who has never made any secret of his desire to end his playing days at Parkhead.
