Blackburn really made an offer for Luton!
Right after Luton defeated Accrington, Gao Bo received a fax from the staff.
"One million pounds?" Gao Bo tossed the fax onto the table. "They really dare to offer that."
"Reply to them: Charlie Austin is only 19 years old, has already scored 26 goals in League Two, is the league's second-highest scorer, and is eight goals ahead of the third place. He's Luton's future and not for sale!'"
The staff quickly responded according to Gao Bo's instructions.
But in truth, all the talk about being the "league's second scorer," "Luton's future," or "not for sale" was just a smokescreen. The real message Gao Bo wanted to convey was simple: Your offer isn't even close to enough!
Gao Bo knew that, even though this wasn't yet the era of hyper-inflated transfer fees, transfer values had still risen significantly compared to a few years ago.
Manchester United had just spent £10 million on Chris Smalling. So why should Charlie Austin, a young striker who's already delivering goals, even be considered for such a low price?
Gao Bo decided to make Charlie Austin look even more valuable!
"Take every shot you can, Charlie! Understand?" Gao Bo said before the next match on February 25, where Luton was set to face Dagenham away.
"You don't need to drop back and defend; stay up front and attack! Use all your talent!!" Gao Bo patted Charlie's shoulder encouragingly.
After two phenomenal performances in a row, Charlie Austin was full of confidence. He nodded firmly, "Understood, boss!"
Dagenham was mid-table in the league, sitting in 12th with 47 points. They weren't at risk of relegation, nor did they have realistic hopes of promotion. However, at home, they were determined not to lose and implemented a defensive strategy, leaving only one striker upfront while parking the bus with nine players defending.
The home fans had no issues with this ultra-defensive approach, after all, Luton was the strongest team in Epl League Two this season.
Despite their best efforts, Dagenham's resistance only lasted until the 43rd minute. Charlie Austin received a cross from Vardy on the left, jumped high in the middle of the box, and buried a header into the net.
Charlie Austin's heading ability had always been decent, but with the added boost from Gao Bo's cards, it was now first-rate. If it weren't for his relatively short height, his aerial ability would be unstoppable.
Dagenham had defended fiercely for over 40 minutes and barely attacked, only to concede just before halftime. Worse, in the first minute of stoppage time, Luton scored again.
This time, it wasn't Charlie Austin who scored, but he was involved. A shot from Charlie inside the box deflected and landed at Vardy's feet. Faced with an open goal, Vardy didn't hesitate, he tapped it in.
Two quick goals in three minutes before halftime, Luton go into the break leading 2–0!
In the second half, trailing by two, Dagenham had no choice but to press forward, substituting in two forwards to mount an offensive at home. But this played right into Luton's hands. Gao Bo's team maintained a solid defensive structure and exploited Dagenham's weaknesses on the counterattack.
The third goal came in the 67th minute.
Drinkwater delivered a long pass into the space behind the defenders. Vardy raced forward and found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. In the past, Charlie Austin would've struggled to keep up with Vardy's blistering pace, but with the card boosts, he was just as fast.
Vardy unselfishly squared the ball across, and Charlie Austin slotted it home with ease!
At 3–0, Dagenham's morale was shattered. Despite their coach's attempts to rally them, the players lacked the spirit to fight back.
In the 82nd minute, Vardy was brought down in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty.
Normally, Kevin Keane or Vardy would take Luton's penalties. But this time, the taker was Charlie Austin.
Stepping up to the spot, Charlie confidently placed the ball in the net.
A hat-trick!!
Gao Bo applauded from the sidelines, smiling in satisfaction, while John and the other coaches on the bench were stunned. "Is this really the same Charlie we've always known? He's incredible!"
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The English media, always well-informed, picked up on Blackburn's initial offer during the post-match press conference. Some reporters asked Gao Bo directly about the transfer situation.
This time, Gao Bo didn't evade the question or walk away.
"Charlie is an important part of our team," Gao Bo said solemnly. "He's only 19 years old, and he's the future of our team. Luton has no plans to sell our future. Charlie is not for sale!"
However, the seasoned reporters easily saw through Gao Bo's words. They could tell he was trying to raise Charlie Austin's price.
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When Luton returned from their away match, Gao Bo received another fax from Blackburn.
£1.25 million.
Gao Bo smirked, "Don't even bother replying!"
To him, Blackburn's lack of ambition and low-ball offers explained why they were destined to struggle in the future.
But Gao Bo's comments at the press conference had clearly sent a signal to other clubs, and they didn't waste time responding.
The next day, Luton received multiple offers from Championship and Premier League teams!
"The highest offer so far is from Chelsea," one of the transfer staff reported to Gao Bo. "They're offering £3 million for Charlie Austin."
Gao Bo sifted through the offers.
Everton: £2 million.
Arsenal: £2.2 million.
Clearly, these teams had been eyeing Luton's players for a while and jumped at the chance to make offers.
In addition to Charlie Austin, there were bids for Vardy, Kante, and Adam as well.
To these Premier League clubs, Luton seemed like a supermarket for talented players.
"Ignore the offers for anyone else," Gao Bo instructed. "Only respond to the bids for Charlie. Let the others know that those players are not for sale! But for Charlie… we can negotiate."
Gao Bo's strategy was clear: make it look like Charlie Austin was Luton's crown jewel and drive his price even higher.
Premier League clubs quickly swarmed in like sharks smelling blood in the water!