When pushed by Cyclingnews for a response, Froome did not explicitly confirm or deny the claim.
"Following my crash last year and subsequent recovery," Froome said. "I am extremely confident that I can return to Tour winning form.
"Which team that will be with beyond 2020, I don’t know yet. I have no intention of retiring any time soon. If anything, the crash has given me a renewed focus and drive.
"I have worked harder than I ever have to get back to where I am. I won’t let that be for nothing."
The news of a potential Froome exit comes after 2019 champion Egan Bernal publicly discussed the Ineos Tour de France pecking order with Eurosport last weekend, saying he would not 'sacrifice' himself for Geraint Thomas or Chris Froome.
"I (understand) the position of Geraint Thomas," the 23-year-old . "I also understand Chris Froome, who wants to win his fifth Tour. Given everything that has happened to him, it would be the best way to come back for him."
"But I also put myself in a position. I’m young, I’ve already won one Tour de France, and I’m not going to throw away an opportunity to win another Tour de France, that’s for sure."
"That I would sacrifice myself, being at my 100 per cent… I don’t think I’m going to do that, nor will he, nor will anyone."
Contract negotiations are often conducted with news like this leaked publicly to get the best deal yet everyone ultimately stays where they are.
But in the face of a proven young Tour champion refusing to take a back seat to a 34-year-old recovering from near life ending injuries, a mid-season switch starts to look more concrete.
Earlier this week, news broke that the team's sponsor petrochemical company Ineos is seeking £500m in UK government loans amid low oil demand during the coronavirus pandemic.
