Leeds ‘set sights on Raheem Sterling’, January deal is now ‘inevitable’
Leeds United are among a number of Premier League clubs weighing up a move to sign Raheem Sterling as he looks set to leave Chelsea in January.
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 it is now inevitable that the 31-year-old will leave Stamford Bridge.
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.
However, his reputation has remained strong amongst English clubs, who would be interested in handing him an opportunity away from Enzo Maresca‘s side.
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.
Leeds considering move to sign Raheem Sterling
Brown told Football Insider in August that West Ham were interested in signing Sterling after speaking to his agent, who made contact with a number of clubs.
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, insisted that Premier League clubs’ interest has lingered, with Leeds now emerging as contenders.
“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.
“So there’s no reason for him to stick around, he needs to get out and start playing again.
“I understand Leeds and other Premier League teams are looking at potentially taking him.
“They’re in need of attacking players, and at his best he would be an improvement on what they’ve got, it’s just a question of whether he is at his best these days.
“He went on loan to Arsenal last season and really struggled, barely played, and the amount of playing time he’s had over the last year is a major concern.
“If his legs have gone and it’s something were he’s declined physically, then he will struggle wherever he goes, and I hope that isn’t the case.
“But the clubs will know, they’ll assess what his issues have been, and then decide whether to take the gamble on him because he’s still regarded very highly.”
What Sterling must do to agree Chelsea exit in January
Football Insider revealed in September that Sterling would stay at Chelsea, causing a major issue for the Blues as he would not be part of Maresca’s plans.
There is now a growing feeling that he will leave the club in January after a long wait in search of finally getting back to playing regular minutes.
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.
Whether the England international would remain in the Premier League has been a key sticking point, with only Saudi clubs prepared to cover his substantial fee.
However, should he opt to slash his pay in favour of a return to first-team action, Premier League clubs will be waiting to swoop in.
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