John Terry's Chelsea Future Reportedly in Major Doubt over New Contract

John Terry will have to accept a major pay cut if he wishes to sign a new one-year contract extension with Chelsea, according to reports.

The Blues skipper has been with the club since 1995, but is set to become the latest victim of Chelsea's over-30 policy, as reported by the Mirror's John Cross:

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Skipper Terry's current £150,000-a-week deal expires this summer and his wages could be HALVED if he decides to remain at Stamford Bridge next season.

[...] Chelsea are standing firm on their policy that outfield players over 30 are only offered one-year extensions - and on reduced terms.

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Assistant first-team coach Steve Holland, who filled in for Jose Mourinho during Friday's press conference, offered the following comment on the skipper via Chelsea's official Twitter:

Terry's importance has galvanised since Mourinho's return. He made just 14 Premier League appearances under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafa Benitez's tutelage last season. Since the Special One's reinstatement, he has racked up 32 displays in a decent campaign for the West London club, per WhoScored.com. 

Rui Vieira

Never graced with intimidating athletic attributes, Terry's ability to read the game and scupper danger before it develops has prolonged his career at the top. Unlike English compatriot Rio Ferdinand, who relies on physicality over instinctive intelligence, Terry remains sharp enough to compete with the best.

Indeed, he would likely be considered for a spot in the Three Lions' World Cup squad if available for selection. Roy Hodgson's centre-back options are limited to first-choice pairing Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka, followed by Manchester United's Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, indicating England could use Terry's experience in Brazil.

The defender is part of a Chelsea squad that faces a difficult task to overhaul Liverpool in the race for Premier League glory. Currently two points behind Brendan Rodgers' Reds with an Anfield trip looming, Terry understands the importance of each result.

Matt Dunham

He was pleased to see Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-2, a result that ensures Chelsea will win the league if they emerge victorious in each of their remaining four games, per the Premier League's official Twitter feed:

Whether Terry will be around next season to defend the title appears debatable at this point. Paul Doyle of The Guardian links the centre-back with a move to Galatasaray, a transfer that would see him reunite with his old pal, Didier Drogba.

Considering Chelsea completed a deal for 19-year-old Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma in January, per BBC Sport, Mourinho may be hoping to move his older players on ahead of next season.

Chelsea is undoubtedly a club in transition—albeit while retaining many of the experienced stars who have yielded previous success—but the likes of Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech may soon find themselves ushered out.

Terry has proven himself a resilient on-pitch leader throughout his Stamford Bridge tenure. Should Chelsea capture Premier League or Champions League glory, he may feel it is the correct time to call it a day with the Blues.