Ross Barkley's contract could reportedly be paid off by Chelsea.
After spending the majority of the 2020-21 season on loan at Aston Villa, Barkley struggled for playing time last term, starting only one Premier League game for Chelsea.
The 28-year-old participated in pre-season for the Blues, but Thomas Tuchel has not included him in any of his four matchday squads this season.
With Barkley no longer part of Tuchel's plans for the season, the Daily Mail are reporting that Chelsea are considering whether to pay off his contract before the transfer window closes.
The Englishman's reported £200,000 a week contract expires next summer, with the Blues considering making an offer to Barkley to terminate his deal early.
There is an expectation that he could make way so that Chelsea can sign Anthony Gordon from Barkley's former club Everton.
Barkley has scored 12 goals and contributed 11 assists in 100 appearances for Chelsea.