Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is unsure if his players have relegation clauses in their contracts.
Were Newcastle to go down, they would be stuck with a huge wage bill in the Championship, although they would be able to name their price for top targets, reports The Times.
However, the situation could become a burden were Newcastle not to win promotion at the first time of asking with some players - including Jonjo Shelvey - earning £80,000 per week and on long deals.
Bruce was asked if the story was true and said: "I don't. I am not privy to certain players and contracts.
"I think always when you talk about players contracts that must be something you don't talk about.
"I am sure everybody's contracts will be a little bit different."
