Several well-known players have exploited approaches from other teams to renegotiate terms with their respective clubs
Using interest from elsewhere as a tool to secure a better wage packet at their parent club has become more common for players in recent times. And while there is an air of moral questionability around it, the main observation is that it is a tactic that often bears fruit.
Some stars do not hesitate to go straight to the powers that be to negotiate improved deals, while others barely have to lift a finger as their clubs move swiftly to tie them down to extended contracts to avoid departures and fan anger.
Below, Goal has put together a list of big names who were handed a golden ticket by their management.
Getty ImagesSteven Gerrard
Year: 2005
Under contract with: Liverpool
Courted by: Chelsea
Not long after the turn of the century, Chelsea tried to lure Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard to London.
It is said that the Scouser gave serious thought to the move, having already won the Champions League with the Reds but continued to find Premier League glory elusive.
In the end, following a group of fans burning a Gerrard jersey near Liverpool's training centre, the former England international backtracked.
His loyalty was rewarded with a contract extension and a reported wage bump up to around £130,000 per week ($170,000).
In the aftermath, Stevie G claimed it was never his intention to leave. Whether you want to believe that or not is entirely up to you.
AdvertisementFrancesco Totti
Year: 2005
Under contract with: Roma
Courted by: Real Madrid
Francesco Totti is an icon in Rome, there can be no disputing that.
The fact that he spent his entire career in the Eternal City provides the simple explanation required to understand the legendary status he enjoys in the Italian capital.
However, the Giallorossi hit a wobble during Totti's peak years and the striker was close to moving on to pastures new: Real Madrid.
Attracted by the opportunity to be named the next Galactico and having been consistently courted by Florentino Perez, the Italian was eventually convinced by his family and the Roma president to stay put.
GettyLuis Suarez
Year: 2013
Under contract with: Liverpool
Courted by: Arsenal
In the summer of 2013, it became apparent that Arsenal were keen to sign an in-form Luis Suarez from Liverpool.
Mere days before the end of the transfer window, a deal looked to have been struck and 'El Pistolero' was preparing to be labelled a traitor on Merseyside.
After a long chat with Brendan Rodgers, however, the Uruguayan changed his mind and stayed at Anfield.
Months later, Suarez was handed a new contract with a lucrative salary of £200,000 per week ($265,000), which at the time was a new record for the Reds.
That hefty wage pack, however, would not be enough to stop him joining Barcelona after the World Cup in Brazil.
GettySergio Ramos
Year: 2015
Under contract with: Real Madrid
Courted by: Manchester United
Louis van Gaal was desperate to sign some on-field leaders during his time at Manchester United and who better than Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos? Ramos was the Dutch manager's priority and discussions were opened between the two parties.
At the time, Madrid were going through a transitional season and Zinedine Zidane had not yet taken the reins. Ramos weighed up the pros and cons and eventually decided the best thing to do was stay put.
That decision may well have been helped along by Florentino Perez, however, who handed the centre-back a shiny new five-year contract worth €50 million (£42m/$56m).