Photo: Reuters / Darren Staples

A new Chinese rule aimed at protecting the growth of local talent will bring a sigh of relief to top European clubs, as the Chinese money seems to be a threat to the quality of European football, with top players leaving Europe for China, in their drones.

A new rule has been set in the Chinese Super League that will reduce the number of foreign players allowed on the pitch in domestic league games to three.

Football clubs in China will still be allowed to sign up to five foreign players, but only three can play at the same time.

The only exception to the new restriction is non-Chinese players from Asia.

Chinese clubs must also pick two domestic Under-23 players in their matchday squads and one in their starting eleven.

According to The Sun, the new rules were due to be enforced in 2018 but will now take effect at the start of this season amid government demands for local talent to be promoted and concerns about the huge salaries being paid out to foreign players.