The fact that a player's nearing the end of his contract proves nothing. Expect the worst, if you're that way inclined : sometimes you'll be right and sometimes you'll be wrong.
As for what you heard in the ground, we're supposed to take that seriously because ??
Miralles has made public comments about wanting to play in the Champions League etc, so we know he could be leaving. He's also said that he'll make his mind up at the end of the season, and there could be some truth in that. Things can change.
As for Garbutt, who knows whether he's made any decisions at this stage ? It made sense for him not to agree to anything last summer because he wasn't in the squad. The more he's involved in the team and getting time on the pitch the more likely he is to stay, but it's also in his interest to wait and see what other offers come his way.
I'm not arguing against any of that but the club also has to do what is in their interests.
To play Garbutt ahead of Oviedo where there is very little difference at this moment (Garbutt is more talented but Oviedo more experienced, although I think Garbutt
will be better) would do two things. 1. Demotivate a player we know
is staying and 2. It means Oviedo doesn't get game time which is important when coming back from injury. Both of these things would risk next season.
I know not playing him also carries the risk of guaranteeing him leaving but at some point you simply have to make a judgment at how likely that is now. Personally I think he would have signed if he wanted to stay so I think the guy whom I overheard who I have no idea is ITK or where he heard it from is probably right.
Either way Martinez probably knows for sure so if he's not picking Garbutt we probably shouldn't get on his case.
Even if he does think he will play next season doesn't necessarily mean he will stay. If someone else further up the league comes in for him he might think they're a better bet for his career. At the end of the day in the summer he's as likely to sign for someone else than us.