Chief Executive Neil Doncaster unequivocally stated that no bid for star striker Dean Ashton had been accepted yesterday lunchtime, only for an announcement to come out of the club that, before the tables have been set for Sunday lunch, the club's record signing is in talks with West Ham.
According to the official website, a bid was received yesterday and accepted after consultation with the manager and the board at about 7pm. The dramatic denial of yesterday has now mysteriously disappeared from the same site.
The agreement between City and West Ham amounts to £7million up front, with £250,000 based on certain conditions and 15% of any future profit. £1.5million of this, however, goes straight into the bank account of Crewe Alexandra, who had a similar sell-on agreement when the player moved to Carrow Road a year ago.