Is that true? I thought it was more to do with Butt not wanting to join a relegated team on a permanent basis.
Of course its true. Why do you think Birmingham got relegated? Because they didn't want Nicky Butt. Simple!
Anyway, if the deal is that we take him on loan this season and have to buy him for £10m next summer then I'd take it personally. We'll have a year to raise the money with a sale or two, and the long-term prospect of Zoggy and the SWP we saw at Man City down our flanks for the next few years is mouthwatering.
As NE5 said, SWP can play up front as well, just off the main striker, and his pace would worry teams. Could leave us free to go out and get Darren Bent if he is our main target, without having to fret about getting in another striker.
Bent
Shola
SWP
Luque
Dyer (once in a while)
As our attacking options going into next season wouldn't be too bad, and by the time Owen comes back (start of next season most likely) Nobby will be a year older and easier to drop in favour of SWP, who'd revert to the right wing.