Norwich and Brighton have made enquiries to Chelsea about taking midfielder Danny Drinkwater on loan but his wages remains a major stumbling block.
Drinkwater looked certain to stay at Stamford Bridge for another season last week because it was understood no concrete offers had been made.
But with the window coming to a close on Thursday, newly-promoted Norwich and Brighton have registered late interest.
However, both clubs will struggle to afford his salary of at least £100,000-a-week. It means Chelsea might have to consider still paying some of his wages to get him to go elsewhere.
Drinkwater has started just five League games since joining from Leicester City for £35m in 2017 and has been left out of last two pre-season friendlies by coach Frank Lampard.
However, the England international would help the club fulfil the quota for homegrown players in the Premier League and Champions League squads should he remain.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have handed youngster Trevoh Chalobah an extension to his current contract, which previously had just two years left to run.
Chalobah, who is the younger brother of England international Nathaniel, spent last season at Ipswich and is expected to be loaned out again. Huddersfield and West Brom are among the Championship clubs wanting the 20-year-old, who can play in central defence and midfield.
