Manchester City are reportedly struggling to convince Kevin de Bruyne to sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium as he considers his options.
De Bruyne is set to reject the first offer from the club, which he was left disappointed by.
City are desperate to tie down their star man and vice captain to another long-term deal, with two and a half years left on his current contract.
But according to The Times, De Bruyne, who earns £280,000-a-week, is playing hardball over his future.
It is claimed that he feels he should be on a higher wage due to his contribution to the side and his brilliant track record in recent years.
De Bruyne is already City’s second highest paid player, behind only Raheem Sterling, and the sixth biggest earner in the Premier League.
But having won the PFA Players Player of the Year award and UFEA's best midfielder in Europe crown, the Belgian feels his next contract should reflect his achievements.
De Bruyne recently admitted that City had got off to a slow start to the season due to a lack of preparation, but thinks they are almost in full flow again after thumping Chelsea on Sunday.
"I think at the beginning of the season we had many difficulties, many injuries, no pre-season," he said.
"Mentally and physically, we weren't ready for the new season.
"I think over the last month we recovered a few players, we raised our level, we have won a few matches and we have gone up a few places in the table.
"We still have another eight games in January in all competitions, it's going to be tough, but I think we are ready for the battle and that is what matters."
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