The Chinese football authorities have introduced a new salary cap that could see former Premier League stars return from Asia.

A host of footballing talents such as Marouane Fellaini, Oscar and Marko Arnautovic were offered the chance to become very high earner in the Chinese Super League. However, a new law will be introduced that limits players to approximately £42k-a-week before tax. This is the first time a salary cap has been implemented for over a decade in the league.

Whilst it does not affect any current contracts, the former stars who moved to Asia will have to take a huge pay cut if they opt to renew their contracts at their respective clubs.

The Chinese Super League has introduced salary caps that could see their stars on the move

Some of the world's most talented players opted for the big contracts the clubs were offering

The average salary will now be £42k-a-week - 1/10th of what ex Chelsea man Oscar earns now

Clubs will also be permitted to acquire a fifth overseas player, an upgrade from the current law which only allows four. However, only four foreign players will be allowed on the pitch at the same time.

In addition, a maximum of 10 million yuan ($1.4 million) has been placed on Chinese players' salaries.

When talking on the new laws that were agreed upon by the authorities on Christmas Day, Chinese Football Association chairman Chen Xuyuan said: 'Our clubs had too much money burned and our professional football has not been run in a sustainable way,' according to state news agency Xinhua.

'If we don't take timely action, I fear it will collapse.'

Gareth Bale was the latest world-class player to be linked with a move to the league after his fallout with the Real Madrid hierarchy. The reported contract offered to him would have blown all the current highly paid players out of the water as it calculated to a staggering £1.2million-per-week.

This news will now push the Welshman more in the direction of the Premier League as he searches for his January move.

The high-earning stars who could be returning from China

Marouane Fellaini (Shandong Luneng)

Marouane Fellaini moved to China earlier this year and earns £235k-a-week

The former Manchester United and Everton midfielder moved from Old Trafford to join Shandong Luneng in February 2019. He currently earns £235k-a-week.

Oscar (Shanghai SIPG)

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is the Super League's highest earner on £400k-a-week

The Brazilian used to be the key technician in the Chelsea attack playing alongside Eden Hazard and Diego Costa. However, he moved to the CSL in January 2016 for around £60million and now earns £400k-a-week. The highest earner in the league.

Marko Arnautovic (Shanghai SIPG)

Marko Arnautovic now earns a very comfy £280-a-week playing for Shanghai SIPG

Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic was one of the Premier League's 'bad boys' during his time at West Ham United and Stoke City. He now earns a very comfy £280k-a-week at Shanghai SIPG.

Hulk (Shanghai SIPG)

Brazilian winger Hulk is the league's second highest earner on a £320k-a-week contract

The Brazilian midfielder was one of the first superstars to take the plunge and join the CSL back in 2016. He joined from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg and is the second highest earner in the whole league with a £320k-a-week contract.