St Etienne are being forced to sell before they can move for Leicester City striker Islam Slimani.
The Algeria international is a loan target for ASSE coach Claude Puel and is keen to see the deal happen.
However, Le 10 Sport says nothing can be considered until Puel sells members of his squad ahead of the January market. ASSE cannot currently afford Slimani's wages.
ASSE hope to raise €20m from sales before pushing to take Slimani off Leicester's hands.
The Foxes striker spent last season on-loan with Monaco.
