Borussia Dortmund could reportedly be forced to place a ban on all incoming transfers this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League as a drastic measure to keeping star man Erling Haaland.
Speculation surrounding the future of the Norwegian striker continues to link him with a move elsewhere, though Dortmund are adamant he will still be at the club next season.
It's no secret that finances are tight at Dortmund however, and failure to finish in the top four will only increase the need to offload some of their prized assets to ease the burden.
Moreover, Haaland will not be keen on remaining at the club for another campaign if Champions League football is not part of the equation.
As reports Bild, the 20-year-old has suddenly gone quiet over his future, suggesting he is weighing up his options amid Dortmund's disappointing league form.
Haaland is joint-second top goalscorer in the Bundesliga, level with Eintracht Frankfurt's Andre Silva on 25 and behind only Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski on 36.
But Dortmund still find themselves in fifth place in the table, although they have closed the gap on Frankfurt and Wolfsburg ahead of them, with all three sides separated by just two points.
The report from Germany claims that Haaland's representatives have no issue with the player staying put another season if Dortmund are involved in the Champions League.
There is a mutual understanding between both sides that Haaland would then be able to move on next summer when his £68million release clause becomes active.
Dortmund want Haaland in their ranks next season though as they feel it would be their best chance of toppling Bayern to end their dominance of the Bundesliga, and know it will be almost impossible without him.
As such, the club are said to be prepared to block his exit even if he pushes for a transfer this summer, and will ask him to honour his contract.
They are essentially willing to stick with the squad they've got, rather than use Haaland's sale to fund new recruits, though they would accept a bid of around £150m.
But it's unlikely any of Europe's elite will stump up that figure, particularly when they have Haaland's eye-watering salary package to consider amid times of widespread financial restraint.