Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle, West Ham and Juventus all have Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The England foreigner is on the market this month and City would prefer to sell him, but a loan has still been ruled out.
They would need loan fees (estimated at around £5m) and most, if all, of their £135,000-a-week salary paid in full.
It is said that several of those clubs made initial approaches to City because of their interest.
It remains to be seen, however, what kind of deal they are willing to offer, as nothing formal has yet been presented to the champions.
Newcastle have been a credible destination as they are looking for a loan player to update the suspended Sandro Tonali and Phillips is the most sensible on their list.
However, both chief executive Darren Eales and manager Eddie Howe warned last week that they are at the apex of spending within profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR).
West Ham also have a long-standing interest in Phillips but it is believed that his salary may become an obstacle to any potential deal.
Meanwhile, Everton cannot buy players or pay loan fees unless they sell due to their severe money problems.
Juventus are still willing and have held initial talks with City; coach Max Allegri would prefer a slightly different player profile.
They also have current and former Premier League players they like, such as Nottingham Forest’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Jordan Henderson, and Orel Mangala.
City manager Pep Guardiola admitted in December that Phillips could play normal games, having made just four Premier League appearances this season.
Who will be in the January window?
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