Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling will avoid a wage reduction as the team misses Champions League qualifying this season.

It's emerged the vast majority of players signed since Todd Boehly's takeover or have had their contracts renewed during that time will see their salary cut by 30-50 per cent for missing the top four.

However, Sterling signed for Chelsea last July before the new penalty clause was put in place to ease financial concerns from missing Champions League qualification.

Sterling and at least one other new player, believed to be defender Kalidou Koulibaly, says The Sun, will avoid taking a heavy financial hit as a result of the Blues' poor season.

Chelsea are currently 17 points adrift of the top four.