Cips' agent is my guess. Conversation (imaginary):
Agent: 'Lot's of clubs are/were interested in signing Cips.'
Reporter: 'What, even Wasps?'
Agent: 'Yes.'
Reporter: 'But they have Sops for 3 years'
Agent: 'Wasps want Cips, so I presume it is to replace Sops'
Reporter: 'That would mean Sops is off early?'
Agent: 'That would be the conclusion.'