Chelsea are waiting in the wings to snap up Manchester City striker Danny Sturridge.
The Sunday Mirror says City face losing teenage sensation Daniel Sturridge to Chelsea unless they agree to his £60,000-a-week wage demands.
Sturridge, 19, has been a long-term target for the London club and City's failure to allow him to enter the final six months of his contract has given them hope.
Mark Hughes is desperate to keep the striker. But City are unwilling to agree a deal that will mean a 500 per cent pay rise - despite the takeover that has made them the richest club in the world.
Hughes said: "We have spoken to Daniel's advisors and made it clear we want him to stay.
"The problem is that, for whatever reason, his contract was allowed to go into its final year. But we are still in negotiations and we are very hopeful we can get a deal done."