Yes, of course we can afford it if Tony is prepared to - the prize is £100 million per year, Stephens' sale fee would be pennies in comparison and risk Tony having to fund more £18 million pound loss seasons year after year.
That makes sense as it is about him leaving the summer rather than January.
Do the albion have to decide before anything is signed with Burnley or can they wait until season end when they know which league they are in ?
Tony has gone on record as saying no one will be sold in January, so no deal will be done for him to go, and anyway Burnley will not have been given permission to speak to him and offer that money.
Is the club aware of the illegal approach which you alledge ?