One player told Standard Sport: "Tony Copsey needs to know when to shut up. Talking publicly about contracts does not help anyone. Don't expect any decisions to be taken any time soon."
Hayes has his hands tied to an extent because Wasps are already at the limit of the salary cap despite having the smallest squad in the Premiership. With Haskell, Cipriani and Rees currently on pay deals agreed before they became established England internationals, Hayes appears to have little room for manoeuvre.
Director of rugby Ian McGeechan yesterday insisted negotiations are on track and laughed off reports that Cipriani has turned down an initial pay offer.
"Steve has come in with good direction and the negotiations are moving on. I'm happy with the way it is shaping up," he said.
Vickery, one of the few Wasps players who looks sure to re-sign, is optimistic about the club's future. He said: "The two-and-a-half years I have had at this club have been fantastic. You are treated like an adult and looked after and valued.
"I don't know what price individuals can put on that but I would put a very, very heavy price on it."
At least things are beginning to pick up for McGeechan's team on the pitch, after Sunday's Heineken Cup triumph over Edinburgh made it three wins on the bounce following a dismal start to the season which sees them lying ninth in the table.
Wasps host Saracens at Adams Park this Saturday, and McGeechan said. "It just feels like it is all coming together."
