Sporting Lisbon manager Marcel Keizer admits they are "not in the position where we can keep everyone" as reports linking Bruno Fernandes with a Manchester United move strengthen.
The free-scoring midfielder is wanted by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford and has publicly declared his desire to play in the Premier League.
But the Red Devils disagree with their Portuguese counterparts over his valuation, with their president insisting it will take more than £56m to tempt them to part with their star man.
Keizer has now hinted Fernandes and other players could depart - and he claimed players of Fernandes' quality cannot be replaced as he faces an anxious wait until the end of the transfer window to see if his captain will remain in his side.
"For me they can close the window," Keizer said [via A Bola ].
"It would be enough for me.
"At all times, before starting, one expects exits and entrances. We have to wait.
"We want to keep the best, but we're in the market.
"Soon we have to wait. We are not in the position where we can keep everyone.
"It depends, of course, on what enters later if Bruno leaves. Quality players like that we can't replace."
Sporting are believed to be conisdering Argentinian wonderkid Thiago Almada, dubbed the "new Messi" as a potential replacement for Fernandes.
They face competition from a host of clubs, including Manchester City , but Keizer admitted he could be an option.
"I like good players," he said.
"Almada? Perhaps."
The Portuguese club have arrived in the US, where they will take on Liverpool tonight.
Fernandes addressed his future to reporters at Lisbon airport when they departed yesterday and refused to rule out the prospect of it being his last game for the club.
"Will this be the last match for Sporting? I don't know, it's the coach who decides," Fernandes said.
"I told you before I'd like to play in England, but I don't care about it right now.
"If it could be this season? It could be when the club decides, I'm not in charge."
