Stewart Downing and Middlesbrough's hierarchy will attempt to reach a compromise this week that allows him to start matches during the remainder of the season.
The former England winger is currently benched because the club do not want to trigger a one-year contract extension, which kicks in after one more start.
Downing, 34, does not want to leave his hometown club and Boro boss Tony Pulis is also keen for him to stay. He has started 22 times this season and has been a key part of Pulis's plans.
However, chairman Steve Gibson is also mindful of the need to reduce the club's wage bill and it is said he wants to avoid paying an ageing player wages of around £35,000 per week.
That leaves Downing in limbo and potentially looking for a new club before the end of the month if no agreement can be reached. His current deal expires in the summer.
The alternatives include a new contract on reduced money or the ludicrous position where he can only feature as a substitute as Boro bid for promotion back to the Premier League.
Burnley are among those said to be monitoring the situation.