Raheem Sterling ‘close’ to agreeing transfer as Newcastle’s plan revealed
Raheem Sterling is edging closer to a move away from Chelsea in the January transfer window with a number of Premier League clubs lining up offers.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle are the latest club to set sights on the 31-year-old.
However, it is currently considered unlikely that they will step up their interest, potentially opening the door for one of their Premier League rivals to swoop.
This comes after former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that West Ham are well-placed to sign Sterling as things stand.
Any deal for the Chelsea winger is likely to see his wages subsidised by the West London club, who are expected to oblige in order to move him on.
Raheem Sterling to Newcastle? Update as Chelsea exit closer
Brown told Football Insider on 18 December that Chelsea plan to accept offers for Sterling, whether permanent or loans, ahead of the January window.
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 Newcastle’s interest is unlikely to go any further than an initial check.
“Sterling looks like he’s getting closer to leaving Chelsea,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s something that has been needing to happen for a while, he doesn’t have a role to play there and isn’t happy just sitting in the stands every week.
“Newcastle are a club I have heard mentioned, they want to strengthen and him being available meant he was an option they considered.
“I think that would be unlikely, because there are so many doubts around Sterling at the moment.
“What is his fitness like? How long will it take him to get up to speed? Have his legs gone? His loan spell at Arsenal wasn’t exactly a resounding success.
“So from Newcastle’s point of view, they need game-changers, and I don’t think he is one.
“Other clubs in the Premier League are looking at him as well, and he may be better off elsewhere in a side where he will get minutes as an important player.
“I definitely have my doubts about him at this level, but there will be clubs willing to gamble.”
How Sterling could force through Chelsea exit
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, 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.
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.
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.
Sterling is also expected to remain in the Premier League amid difficulties finding him a club abroad, with Leeds and Fulham also among his suitors.
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