Sources: Man City players 'release clauses' update, four big names could lead exodus

Manchester City's players are being kept in the dark as to how their futures could look if the club are relegated, sources have told Football Insider.

The club hierarchy are currently battling against the Premier League in their legal case, but the players have been left "in limbo" by those at the top of the club.

There is a genuine possibility that Enzo Maresca's side could face relegation from the Premier League, but the squad themselves have not been made aware of the likelihood of that happening.

Sources say that none of City's recognised first-team players have "relegation release clauses" in their contracts, which prevents quick exits for them at cut-price fees.

Nevertheless, there is expected to be a wealth of interest in several of the Citizens' key stars if the worst happens and they are relegated from the Premier League.

While the Premier League are confident that City are guilty, the club still intend to appeal and fight against a guilty verdict.

Which players are prime candidates to leave Man City?

The final outcome in terms of City's guilt and punishment is yet to become clear, but clubs have already started to circle around some of their key stars.

Football Insider revealed last weekend that both Arsenal and Real Madrid have already made contact over a potential move for Erling Haaland.

That is sure to be only the start of the interest from elsewhere, given that City possess a squad packed full of superstars.

The likes of Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo and Elliot Anderson were subject to major transfer battles before joining City within the last 12 months, and still have plenty of admirers elsewhere.

Ultimately, every player will be left to make their own decision regarding their future, once the final verdict is clear.

The Premier League deem City to be guilty of 114 out of the 115 charges they brought against them, but the final decision is still up for debate.

Do Man City have genuine grounds for appeal?

Former Everton chief executive and ex-Premier League board member Keith Wyness told Football Insider on Friday that City are "certain" to receive a points deduction of up to 50 points if they are found guilty of breaching financial rules.

The Scottish businessman made it clear that City's chances of overturning the verdict with an appeal are "tenuous at best."

Wyness outlined that the appeal process is likely to take around three months at maximum, but he made it clear that he sees no hope for City.

He also indicated that he expects the points deduction to be of a level that it would effectively guarantee relegation for Maresca's men.