How can Hull or Wolves speak to him or Bateman, wouldn't that be tapping up?

I'm not sure how it works when a player is in the last year of his contract, but certainly re Bateman the only way they can approach is if we give them permission.

I'm not sure how rigidly these rules are adhered to, mind.

It's from about now until the end of June that those whose contracts are running out (at every club) will be contacting their club to either negotiate for an extension or permission for their agent to start touting them around the other clubs.

For a club in "special measures" I don't know if the inability to negotiate an extension automatically defaults to allowing players to getoffers from other clubs.

It will be down to how long the players will want to give the club.

It will depend on many things. How the players feel they have been treated, if they have faith that the recovery shown this season will continue, will they get a better offer elsewhere (or if a lesser offer than expected - is it worth holding on until the Bulls can negotiate). Where are they in their career? Will this be their last contract? or their first decent contract?

Time is of the essence

We all know it goes on - always has done.

It's against the rules to speak to the player but how do you stop clubs speaking to an agent? Or agents approaching clubs?

I've mentioned this before. In Jamie Peacock's book he tells of his transfer to Leeds, how he met Tony Smith (then Leeds coach) and Gary Hetherington at "Smithy's house on the moors" in MARCH of the year he left, and this was after a falling out so I can't see permission being given. If it's ignored when the player concerned brags about it in print, what chance is there?