‘Chelsea plan to accept new Raheem Sterling offer’ after Leeds reveal
Chelsea are planning to accept offers for Raheem Sterling in the January transfer window and are attempting to drum up interest in his signature.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Blues are determined to get his substantial wages off the bill.
Sterling was part of the Chelsea bomb squad during the summer but failed to find a move away, and has subsequently failed to play a single minute of football this season.
Enzo Maresca does not see the winger as part of his long-term plans and is keen for him to move on to make room for new additions in his squad.
However, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider that Sterling must take a pay cut to leave Chelsea if he wants to force through a move.
Chelsea plan to accept Raheem Sterling offer
Amid speculation in September, Football Insider revealed that Celtic would have to cover Sterling’s wages to sign him from Chelsea, as would any other suitors.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that
“It’s inevitable Sterling will leave Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.
“When was the last time he played for Chelsea? He hasn’t been involved at all this season and he’s not a part of the manager’s plans there.
“If he moves on, it will free up space in the squad for new players to come in, and I hear that’s something Chelsea will be looking at if somebody comes in for him.
“Plus, they need to get those wages off the bill, they’ve been trying to do it for over a year.
“He went on loan to Arsenal but struggled and barely played there, now he’s come back to Chelsea but there weren’t any major suitors in the summer.
“Chelsea want to move him on, I don’t think the fee would be silly because the wages are the main thing, it’s just about who is prepared to cover those.“
Leeds United plot move to sign Sterling
Brown told Football Insider on 16 December that Leeds United are interested in signing Sterling and could make a move to bolster their attacking options.
Following a failed loan spell at Arsenal last year, there are concerns that the winger may have lost his legs, but Leeds are among those willing to take the gamble.
The winger’s reputation has remained strong amongst English clubs despite a frustrating spell, and they would be interested in handing him an opportunity to prove himself.
Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Leeds are concerned about their attacking options, and could look to bolster their squad in January.
A new winger is thought to be high on their list ahead of the window, with Sterling’s experience likely to provide a boost to their ranks.
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