‘I hear it’s his No1 option’ – Chelsea star wants to quit & join Fulham
Chelsea star Raheem Sterling is open to joining Fulham this summer despite growing interest from a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
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 30-year-old is no longer demanding to play in Europe.
This comes following an unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal last season, which has forced the forward to re-think his options ahead of a permanent transfer.
Brown told Football Insider in March that Sterling wants to stay in the Premier League in the upcoming season and is “certain” to leave Stamford Bridge.
Marco Silva’s side have emerged amongst the front-runners to land the former England star ahead of Saudi rivals, and there is a feeling they could reach an agreement.
However, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Sterling’s wages could be a problem for Fulham and a loan deal may be preferable.
Chelsea plan to accept Fulham’s Raheem Sterling offer
Brown told Football Insider in November that Mikel Arteta had not been impressed with Sterling given the former England international’s performances in training.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained that a move to Fulham would force him to step up his game.
“Raheem Sterling has got to make a decision about where he sees himself,” he told Football Insider.
“I hear a move to Fulham would be his preferred option, and it’s something they’re interested in.
“For me, that’s the level he has to go and drop down to now where he could still do a job, and that’s with no disrespect to Fulham.
“I don’t think he can demand to play European football any more.
“When he’s been at Chelsea and Arsenal, he’s being expected to still be the elite-level Raheem Sterling as he was when he was at his best.
“They want him to score every week and solve the issues both sides have had.
“He’s not that player any more, whether his legs have gone or he’s just hit a wall, I don’t know the reason.
“If he moves to Fulham, he will be out of that major spotlight at the big clubs and he can get his head down and focus on playing without the added pressure.
“There is interest from Saudi Arabia, but I think he wants to continue playing in the Premier League.”
Aston Villa respond to interest in Morgan Rogers
While outgoing transfers are the current focus at Stamford Bridge, work is still ongoing behind the scenes to further strengthen Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 29 July that Chelsea have made an offer for Rogers with two players included in the deal.
Sources say they have offered Nicolas Jackson and Tosin Adarabioyo as well as a cash sum to Villa in part-exchange for the England international.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 30 July that Villa are extremely reluctant to lose Rogers and do not plan to entertain offers for his departure.
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