Manchester United could be in line to save a significant amount on their weekly wage bill, with four of their higher earners in line to leave the club in the summer.
United have brought Bruno Fernandes closer to their best-paid players with a new deal, but the increase for the Portugal midfielder could be eclipsed by the savings made elsewhere. Indeed, as much as £750,000 could be knocked off the bill in total.
The situation wouldn't even require Ralf Rangnick 's side to make any sales, either, with the quartet all out of contract in the summer. And the savings could pave the way for further investment ahead of an important season under a new permanent manager as a top-four finish becomes a tougher ask.
Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani have been among the club's biggest earners, and both now look certain to move on when their contracts expire. Cavani has been linked with clubs in Europe and South America, while Pogba - who cost the club a record £89.3m when he joined in 2016 - is in no rush to decide his next destination.
Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are also expected to depart, with neither midfielder earning significant minutes under Rangnick since the German took over after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking. According to The Athletic, the four players bring in a combined £750,000 per week, with Pogba accounting for the biggest chunk.
Juventus are among the clubs linked with a move for Pogba, who spent a successful four years in Turin between 2012 and 2016. However, with Juve setting a reported "maximum" salary of around £160,000, the French international could see his pay packet roughly cut in half.
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Fernandes' new deal is worth a reported £250,000 per week, and will keep the former Sporting CP star at the club until 2026. With the out-of-contract quartet due to move on - and with no guarantee those are the only exits - there will still be room for United to invest elsewhere.
One of the main factors in their summer spending will be the identity of the new permanent manager. Erik ten Hag remains the most likely candidate, with the Dutchman sounding out compatriot Robin van Persie about a potential coaching role at Old Trafford, but the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique have also found themselves in the mix.
Saturday's 1-1 draw with Leicester City leaves United playing catch-up in the battle for Champions League football, potentially influencing the calibre of player they are able to attract in the summer. The dropped points mean they ended the day three points behind fourth-place Arsenal, with the Gunners holding two games in hand.
