West Ham and Fulham ‘have Chelsea over a barrel’ in Raheem Sterling race
West Ham and Fulham have Chelsea “over a barrel” in the race to sign Raheem Sterling before the transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday (1 September).
Football Insider revealed on 25 August West Ham were exploring a deal to sign Sterling after he’s been frozen out at Chelsea.
Chelsea are struggling to sell Sterling after clubs have been put off by his wages at Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old is believed to be on around £300,000 a week, leaving Enzo Maresca’s side likely having to subsidise any potential deal.
Fulham have also been linked with Sterling this summer as Marco Silva looks to add to his attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Chelsea could subsidise Raheem Sterling deal
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but he failed to make much of an impact at the Emirates Stadium.
Maresca has decided the winger, who is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2027, must move on if he wants to play first-team football.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I don’t think there are many teams who save big money by doing these deals at the end of the window unless you’re buying the liability players like Sterling, Chilwell, Kalvin Phillips, the players from United.
“I can understand waiting until the last minute if you’re Fulham and West Ham, teams like this, and you’re thinking we’ll go and get Sterling because Chelsea would be over a barrel and then subsidise the deal.
“I don’t understand that if you’re Tottenham and you’re looking for a 22-year-old player or you’re Newcastle looking to sign a new striker.
“I just don’t understand the logic, but it happens every year.
“I think it is worse this season.”
Charlton and Preston make moves to sign Chelsea star
In terms of another potential exit at Stamford Bridge, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 1 September Preston and Charlton want to sign David Datro Fofana on loan after making enquiries to Chelsea.
The 22-year-old is not part of Maresca‘s long-term plans and has been widely expected to leave the club this summer.
The two Championship outfits have moved to get ahead of rivals in their pursuit of his signature, having made contact with Chelsea about a deal.
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