Real Madrid could be forced to sell outcasts such as Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez in the January transfer window if they are to comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rulings.
According to Marca, Los Blancos spent 350m euros in the summer to bring in the likes of Eden Hazard and Luak Jovic and recouped just 150m in player sales, meaning they are still facing a 200m euro deficit.
With UEFA's rulings stating that the maximum net spend one club can have is 100 million euros, the difference of 200 million euros is of huge concern to Madrid and should they fail to close it they could be facing FFP sanctions.
Therefore, the futures of Bale and Rodriguez at the Santiago Bernabeu could be under threat, particularly with the report stating that Madrid have not ruled out further outlay and investment next month, even if the priority will be to sell players.
Bale has had a tumultuous time at Real Madrid this season and was booed and jeered at the Santiago Bernabeu last month after holding up a flag of 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.' while on international duty.
Rodriguez meanwhile has clocked up just 422 minutes of action this season in nine outings and having entered his prime years, will likely seek a move away in any case.
Madrid have been planning to cut costs for a couple of years, which the report states explains their gambles on youngsters like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.