The crux of this one is whether we can/will pay for quality young talent.
If we value MJ as a "senior" player (as opposed to regarding him s an up and coming junior, then the kind of salary being mentioned (50k) doesn't seem excessive.
However, if we are still viewing him as a junior breaking into the first team, then, the salary seems crazy.

This situation could be measured by what we would be prepared to pay a very good quality FB, like BJB or someone like Mathers (based on where he was 4/5 years ago) and if we use this measure, we should probably bite the bullet and do everything possible to keep the lad.

The other issue here is the effect that "breaking the bank" has on the rest of the squad.

There could be plenty of ruffled feathers if other squad members feel that he was getting more than they were or that he was being "overpaid".

Finally, for a young player, still finding his way, playing at a low profile club is surely better that becoming a high(ish) profile signing at one of the top clubs.
Just look at Kevin Penny.
Everyone thought he was the dog's whatsits a few seasons ago and he was being talked about as the next big thing.
His situation went badly wrong and although he is doing ok now, nobody would want to go through those 2/3 seasons in the "wilderness".

Well said Wrencat, I fully agree.

Also, as someone else posted previously, both Jowitt and Johnstone are now our fist choice players in their respective positions. This needs to be reflected upon in their contracts, regardless of age.

Older players have come in on higher paid contracts in the past, and haven't made the same impact as these have.

If older players spit the dummy out regearding contracts and salaries, then surely they are big enough, and old enough, to show their worth to the club.

Crowther out on loan.

Wrong, was out on loan.

Until today

And he's 19.