Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has been told he must sell players before bringing in additions to his squad in the summer, according to a report.
The Daily Telegraph claim that the manager has been told by director of football Steve Round and chief executive Keith Wyness that he can only sign new players from funds he raises.
It is understood that Bruce has identified five first teamers to sell in order to do this with Jordan Amavi, Carles Gil, Jordan Veretout, Tommy Elphick and Aaron Thisbola all in danger of leaving the Midlands club.
The report details Financial Fair Play regulations state clubs can lose up to £83million over three seasons and Villa are having to tread carefully after revealing a deficit of £83.1million in February and are on the verge of punishment.
Bruce was initially believed to want at least five new players for next season and has had to reassess his plan.
The Telegraph report that a potential £3million move for Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Villa Park this season, is more likely to be another loan move.
Villa slumped to a 13th-placed finish in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League and were unable to match pre-season expectations.
A number of their first teamers are now set to pay the price and defender Amavi is set to be one sacrificed to raise funds.
The left-back has become a consistent performer for the club since his arrival in 2015, but has recently lost his spot to Wales international Neil Taylor.
Elphick is another that could be cashed in on and the centre-back has fallen out of favour under Bruce, despite starting the season as captain.
That leaves Gil, Veretout and Tshibola as the three remaining players who could leave the club, and they have all be out on loan this season.
Gil and Veretout have enjoyed successful season-long loan deals at Deportivo and Saint-Etienne respectively, while Tshibola spent the second half of the year at Championship rivals Nottingham Forest.