The solution is you need to get your players quality to end "4/9" I had the same problem trying to sell one of my players at the beginning of the season. I'm L23 and this type of thing tends to occur on the top levels on each server because managers are only on the lookout for the best players only.
As for the cash problem, you can get good income by playing a series of friendlies since they generate good income at the higher levels.