Can't offer a contract for free transfer

[Dundalis]

Is there a reason that a player that is in the last 6 months of their contract and can be offered one, but when I attempt to offer a contract it says he isn't interested in entering contract negotiations because he wants to keep his options open to nearer the end of his deal?

First of all that makes no sense, if the player doesn't want to sign fullstop, it should say so, and if he wants to keep his options open but is potentially interested, you should still be allowed to table an offer and he can consider it when he is ready? This mechanic makes no sense.

But mainly it's ridiculous because not only has another club been able to table a contract offer, his transfer status screen says he's holding off making a decision in the hopes that MY club, of the 10 or so clubs interested, makes an offer. Say what?

Edited June 1, 2021 by Dundalis