Atletico Madrid admitted they would be open to the sale of their star striker Radamel Falcao, but only next summer.
The prolific Colombian has been repeatedly linked with moves away from the Spanish club, with Chelsea and Manchester City heavily linked. Reports suggested Falcao could be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with Roman Abramovich ready to sanction a big-money deal.
Atletico general manager Gil Marin said they might be forced to sell the 26-year-old, to ease their financial burden, if a club matched with his buyout clause of €60 million (£48.3 million, $77.2 million).
"€60 million for Falcao would solve all the economic problems at Atletico," general manager Gil Marin told COPE Radio.
"I can say for sure, though, that he will stay with us until the end of the season. Not only will he stay, but so will all the players that the coach wants to stay.
"We will fight to perform a miracle which is what we are doing with what we have available.
"In Europe there are 50 clubs with more income than we have. If we were to sell Falcao for €60 million then that would cover our debts."
Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for Falcao, with the striker's father suggesting the player's dream to play for the Spanish La Liga champions. However, Marin does not see Real as a likely future destination for the former Porto forward.
"If Atletico do not qualify for the Champions League or cannot afford to meet his wage demands then I do not think that Real Madrid could afford him either," Marin added.
"We have to do impossible things and take risks so that the fans can have the team that they want. It is difficult to maintain."
Chelsea are a little light in the center forward department, Fernando Torres starting every one of the Blues' games this season. Daniel Sturridge, the only other recognized senior striker, has been out injured for a while, but is also yet to prove himself in that role.
However, Chelsea will have to keep in mind the Financial Fair Play Regulations, when or if they do bid for Falcao, having already spent a considerable amount on new players this season.
