Well I never trust rumours in this business. However, one of the reasons he is considering leaving apparently is that h is burnt out from life on the road, I mean it's been pretty much constant for 5 years, so a hiatus for a few months could be enough to persuade him to stay. Although, if he did take time off until the Rumble then his return would pretty much make him a face...similar to Edge, a top heel, disapears for months, returns at the RR and in doing so becomes a face.
I have to say I really do hope a deal has been reached. He is my favourite in WWE by a considerable distance.