Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has admitted that promotion may be the only way his side can bar Ryan Nymbe, Darragh Lenihan and Joe Rothwell out of contract.
Mowbre also admitted that talks have stalled with the club at the end of the campaign with the possibility of revisiting the situation once Rovers know which league they will play next season.
There has been much discussion this season over the contracts of many players with first-team stars in their final year.
The club also continues to insist that they will not break their pay structure when it comes to persuading individuals to stay.
Some deals have been agreed, with goalkeeper Thomas Kaminsky and striker Sam Gallagher already signing new contracts in 2022, with talks with midfielder Lewis Travis also progressing.
However, talks have broken down with Ryan Nymbe, while Joe Rothwell was the subject of January's interest from Bournemouth. Captain Darragh Lenihan has just completed all three to sign a new deal.
This has left Mowbray disappointed, but understanding the situation he is in, telling the Lancashire Telegraph: "It looks like two or three will leave us, but this is an opportunity for other people.
"I think unless something changes dramatically, like getting £140m from the Premier League and you can pay these players the salary level they think they're worth.
“He and his advisors have to see the potential of the team to see what they are doing. We are at the point where they are waiting to see what happens and the club will have to wait and see what happens. ,
Blackburn, currently in fourth place, are looking to regain their early-season form after last weekend's win against fellow playoff chasers QPR.
Decision
Blackburn finds himself in a difficult position and a situation that could have been avoided. They've already been in this scenario with Adam Armstrong, but they chose to cash in at the right time.
However, they run the risk of losing three first team players, who would have demanded higher fees from rival clubs. But that risk was taken by Blackburn and it is something the rovers could pay for.
If promotion is not achieved, Mowbray, who himself is out of contract, and Rovers may face a major task of rebuilding the club.