...trying to free up cash by offloading expensive ontions

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are facing the prospect of losing millions on big-money players they are struggling to sell as Profit and Sustainability Rules start to bite.

- by SIMON MULLOCK

But with many clubs now taking care not to overcommit financially in order to stay within PSR parameters, an increasing number of sellers must decide whether to slash asking prices or offer pay offs to compensate for any drop in salary.

In some cases they may have to do both. One top agent said: "This is the time of year when most transfer deals are done and compromises are reached to help the market to move.

"We've already seen a number of big transfers take place at Liverpool, Man United and Man City - and they are likely to have a domino effect.

"But a number of clubs have also made no secret of the fact that they're looking to move players out who have cost them a fortune in transfer fees and wages.

"That's a buyer's market. Some clubs will have to cut their losses at some point just to get those players out of the door.