West Ham in ‘discussions’ to agree Raheem Sterling signing
West Ham have set their sights on a potential deal to sign Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, according to their former senior scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Sunderland and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 30-year-old’s agents have made contact with a number of clubs.
Graham Potter is believed to be a fan of Sterling after working with him during his time at Stamford Bridge and could hold the key to his arrival.
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.
The Blues are determined to shift the winger as part of a late-window exodus before the deadline, and could accept both permanent and loan offers.
Meanwhile, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Sterling will decide where his future lies amid Premier League and Saudi interest.
Raheem Sterling open to Chelsea exit as West Ham loom
This article contains exclusive comment from Mick Brown, a football transfer expert and former chief scout for Man United and Sunderland among others.
Brown told Football Insider on 31 July that Sterling is open to a move to Fulham following their interest as he is no longer demanding to play European football.
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 West Ham could now make a move for the winger’s signature.
“It’s the sort of signing West Ham have always made,” he told Football Insider.
“To be honest, his situation has always been a surprise to me, because he was a real top player for England and for his club not long ago.
“You do get it occasionally where all of a sudden a player’s form just drops off a cliff and they’re past it, and I think that’s happened to Sterling.
“Everybody thought the move to Arsenal would help him kickstart his career.
“Unfortunately for him, that didn’t happen, and now he’s in the same position at Chelsea.
“They want to move him on, whether it’s permanently or on another loan deal, but there isn’t masses of interest in him.
“His agent has been speaking to a few clubs, in England and abroad, and I believe West Ham are one they have spoken to.
“That move would make sense because he’s worked with the manager before and they’ve got that relationship there already.
“I expect he will look and think he can still get the best out of him.
“Plus, the chairman there can always be tempted to go and bring in big names, everybody knows that, and Sterling is one of those.“
Fabio Vieira linked with late London Stadium twist
Sterling is not the only player being linked with a move to the Hammers late in the window, as they continue to eye a deal for Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira.
Brown told Football Insider on 19 August that West Ham have spoken to Vieira’s agent about the possibility of a move to East London.
However, while he remains a name on their list and could become an option should they miss out on other targets, it is unlikely they will make a move at this stage.
Meanwhile, reports [The Athletic] have claimed Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart are working on a deal to sign the attacking midfielder as Mikel Arteta plans to move him on.
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