Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been left 'thoroughly unimpressed' by the attitude of some of his players over their delay on agreeing to a pay cut, according to reports.
Players of a number of Premier League clubs have already agreed with their employers to their wages being slashed in a bid to reduce the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
City are at an 'advanced stage' in their own talks with their star men, but are struggling to reach an agreement.
Guardiola has already agreed to take a cut on his £20million-per-year salary, and has been left 'exasperated' by the split in the City dressing room.
The Mail report that City chiefs remain hopeful a deal can be struck, though it is looking increasingly likely that wages will be deferred rather than cut.
Key players such as Kevin De Bruyne are backing the club's efforts, while others are playing hardball.
They add that Guardiola may even involve himself in the discussions to try and help smooth negotiations.
City are not the only club facing this problem, with Chelsea also struggling to come to a conclusion with their playing staff, while stars at Arsenal and Tottenham have already rejected proposed terms.
All four look set to raise their concerns at Friday's conference call meeting with Premier League officials, who are planning to have the season completed by June 30.
Expiring player contracts only run until that date, and clubs are insistent that the season must be finished by then in order to avoid further difficult negotiations.
Mikel Arteta has stepped in to try and resolve negotiations between the Arsenal players and the club hierarchy after an initial offer was rejected.
Arsenal suggested a 12.5 per cent pay cut for a year dependent on whether the club achieved Champions League qualification, with talks said to be 'productive and ongoing'.
Chelsea's players have also been offered a deferral by the club, but are yet to accept, and Tottenham are looking to slash player wages by up to 30 per cent.
The Spurs board feel their decision to backtrack on furloughing non-playing staff will curry favour with their stars and boost their chances of an agreement.
Liverpool and Man Utd are not yet thought to have approached their respective players with an offer but are believed to be monitoring the situation.
