We'll have answers by end of May. Right now just all speculation.
I think period from Aug-May is quite long and might very well be that before calling Ben to negotiations table, we wanted to see -
a ) How will he perform for us this season when needed
b ) How do youngsters such as Vuskovic and Phillips do on their loans
And then make our decision.
Indeed... It's not like Ben is the problematic type to start shit-housing the club in the meantime.