The only times paying a fee makes sense nowadays is if you desperately want that particular player. This would apply only to very exceptional players. If you just want that type of player, an ooc alternative is likely to be available. The only SL-based British players that spring to mind if a club had a few hundred thousand burning a hole in their pockets are the likes of Eastmond or Graham.
A second exception would be a young player on a long deal, who has suddenly blossomed, if you can pay him more than he's on but less than he'd normally be worth and are prepared to write off the difference on a fee (which has the benefit of being outside the cap).
Basically Ratchford is worth more to Salford than to Rovers at the current time - they'd struggle to attract a replacement of similar quality, while Rovers have other options. Just can't see it.

Im not saying we should or should not try to sign him but Salford where also pretty much in this situation with Myler and released him early from his contract, it wouldn't surprise me if they did this again come the end of the season.

We are skint - in the same sense that most clubs are. Big fees are rarely paid for players these days, by any club - excepting maybe Warrington.

Rovers probably could find cash for a small fee, but splashing out big money to prise a player from a club that still wants him - I very much doubt we have that sort of clout.
I'anson needs a run of games before we even know if this is a priority area for recruitment, IMO.

If someone will shell out a 6 figure sum, as Wire did for Myler, very possibly. I just don't think there are many clubs that can do that. I certainly don't think Rovers are among them.

Fair post!

Someone thought Ratchford could possibly be worth 200k or even 100k in today's market but to me that is ridiculous, even I'm pretty sure we couldn't come up with that at the moment.

I think FC signed Tansey for roughly 30k, someone mentioned Brough to Hudds for roughly 30k, I mean we signed Murrell for 25k when we where in the National league. Players like this can be picked up for a good price if they want away from their clubs and I'm sure we could find a similar amount if need be.

Agreed.

But do Wire have the lure of Tweendykes Chineese Take Away?

No they don't. Think on MR.

Imagine the team we could put together if King's Chippy was still going down the bottom of Summergangs. Ooh, I'm all nostalgic now. It can't just be coincidence that King's was still open for business when Rovers last put together a championship winning team, IMO.

You also got away with the RFL only making you pay 2.5k each for Bailey and Whiting, wonder the small clubs bother investing just to get shafted.

I don't think they do anymore, really. With freedom of contract the flow of players has been reversed from up to down. I'm not suggesting the system is very equitable, but many former SL academy players have moved to Championship clubs without a fee.

Outside of SL there isn't much incentive to develop your own players, so all the pressure is on the academy system.