Ed Woodward believes Manchester United could sell some of their unwanted players to China this summer.
While much of the focus has been on a possible managerial change at Old Trafford, it is inevitable some of their players will leave the club at the end of the season.
Although Louis van Gaal is not blessed with a deep squad, either he or his replacement will want to bring in new faces this summer, so some of the current crop will have to move on.
Marouane Fellaini continues to be linked with a move away from the club despite returning to the starting XI for the last seven games, and others could depart.
Woodward is not fazed by the prospect of losing his top stars to the Chinese Super League, where Alex Teixeira, Ramires and Jackson Martinez have moved recently.
China could be used as a tool to get rid of any deadwood that needs to be discarded.
"I do think there will be more activity coming in the summer, but it is very difficult to predict what kind of impact that will have," United's executive vice-chairman said in a conference call with investors on Thursday.
"If nothing else, it's another useful market if we are looking to sell players."
United may be fifth in the table, some six points adrift of the top four, but off the pitch the club's achievements in the commercial sector remain unparalleled.
On Thursday, United announced record second-quarter figures for the year. United say they are on course to become the first club to earn half a billion pounds in one year. – Female First