Not necessarily I'd argue. It looks better for both club and Stephens if he travels with the team. Then, if he doesn't leave next week, it looks like less of a climb-down for all concerned and much easier to integrate him back into the side with his team-mates.
And if he does go, it won't leave...
I've no knowledge about the Stephens case but here's what I imagine is going on.
1. Stephens wants to play in the Premier League as soon as possible.
2 We knocked back several offers from Burnley who weren't prepared to go higher.
3. Stephens' agent has been working to find another Premier...