Chelsea face topping up Raheem Sterling's £17milllion-per-season salary in their efforts to find a new club for their frozen out forward.
Stamford Bridge officials are working to find offers for Sterling, who can leave the club ahead of Friday's deadline.
But it is understood at least two of the teams to have shown an initial interest in the England international will require Chelsea to contribute to his wages, which are believed to be in the region of £325,000-per-week, in the event of Sterling refusing to take a pay cut.
The 29-year-old wants clarity on how Chelsea intend to resolve the outstanding salary remaining on the three years left on his deal before considering his next move.
Indeed, if Sterling refuses to take a drop in wages, Chelsea will be presented with the scenario of having to continue paying a significant portion of his wages to facilitate an exit.
Chelsea face topping up Raheem Sterling's wages as they look to find him a new club
Sterling can leave ahead of the transfer deadline after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca
Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Juventus are among the clubs to have shown early interest in Sterling but all three clubs wouldn't match his salary.
Indeed, there was a pessimism on Monday about Palace or Villa realistically advancing in the race to sign Sterling.
Arsenal, over the weekend, were not actively pursuing Sterling but are fully aware of his situation. It remains to be seen if the Gunners change their stance ahead of Friday night's cut-off.
Moving Sterling and other unwanted players out of Stamford Bridge ahead of Friday's transfer deadline could have a bearing on the club successfully signing a striker in the coming days.
Chelsea continue to explore their long-standing interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen - but the expense of landing the Nigeria star is prohibitive and the Blues are focused are lightening their financial burden this week.
Chelsea could save close to £28million a year in wages by offloading Sterling and Ben Chilwell alone this week.
Chelsea are aiming to part with up to seven players ahead of Friday.
Clubs keen on the forward may require the Blues to contribute to his £325k-per-week salary
Sterling wants clarity on how Chelsea intend to resolve the outstanding salary on his deal
The club have introduced a lower wage structure under co-owner Todd Boehly (pictured)
Whether Sterling is part of that cull remains to be seen. Intriguingly, Sterling would not rule out a shock move to Manchester United despite having spent seven years with arch rivals Manchester City.
Chelsea are open to including Sterling in a move for Jadon Sancho, who is set to leave United ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.
And Sterling would not automatically turn down a switch to Old Trafford if the opportunity arises.
The 29-year-old won four Premier League titles at the Etihad, one FA Cup and five EFL Cups during his stay with City.
But while he maintains an affinity with his former club, playing for United - globally recognised as one of the biggest teams on the planet - is an option Sterling would give consideration too.
Chelsea are open to including Sterling in a move for Manchester United's Jadon Sancho
Again, however, wages would be central to Sancho leaving United this week.
His reported £300,000-per-week salary would not fit into Chelsea's lowered wage structure leaving United in a similar position as Chelsea find themselves with Sterling.
Juventus also have a concrete interest in Sancho, with the Italian club believed to be more advanced in their move to sign the winger.