yeah, that record is important to him. He could achieve it in the next 2 seasons (with ave 23.5 goals in each), maybe with a deeper position played it takes him into a 3rd season. But 48 goals required to beat Shearer does look possible now barring any major injury. Even if he were to drop off a cliff performance-wise and end up at Bournemouth.I don't think he's willing to leave the Premier league without beating that record. If he could of done it next season I personally don't think he'd hesitate to go to real or bayern or the like.
I think the Club are probably preparing for him to leave on a free when his contract expires, he cost us nothing so leaves for nothing, is not as bad as some would paint it to be. I do think we would offer him a mega deal to stay though, one that he would find hard to turn down. I'm talking +£330k pw. He may not get that offered to him by other clubs as he would be heading towards his 32nd birthday then.