Aston Villa have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign Raheem Sterling after the winger was told to leave Stamford Bridge.
Sterling’s time at Chelsea is coming to an end after a whirlwind few days with the player and club now working together to facilitate a quick exit before next week’s transfer deadline.
The former Liverpool and Manchester City star was left out of the squad for last week’s season opener, a decision which prompted a statement from the player’s camp demanding ‘clarity’ over his future.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed this week he had told Sterling he will struggle to get minutes this season, preferring ‘different kinds of wingers’ in his side.
Sterling is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia while both Bayern Munich and Barcelona have ruled out moves for the 29-year-old.
Villa however are interested in keeping the England international in the Premier League, holding talks with the Blues on Thursday, according to The Times.
Unai Emery’s side are still hoping to bring in another attacking player having missed out on Joao Felix, who joined Chelsea on a permanent deal this week.
Both Chelsea and Sterling are keen on a permanent move over a loan but the situation is complicated by the fact he still has three years left on his contract – which is worth a substantial £325,000-per-week.
Chelsea and Villa have already done business this summer with Ian Maatsen leaving west London for the midlands with Omari Kellyman moving in the opposite direction.
Sterling, along with teammate Ben Chilwell, have almost certainly played their last game for the club with Maresca revealing this week he informed the winger of his decision before the City game.
‘They are Chelsea players. Until they are Chelsea players. But it’s possible to give them all minutes. Those who want minutes, they are better off to leave,’ Maresca said on Wednesday.
‘I try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the Man City game. I said he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us and this is the reason.
‘With Chilly, he is a lovely guy but he will struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.
‘I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers and this is the reason why.
‘It’s not a comfortable situation. I know exactly the feeling but it’s good to know that if you stay you are going to struggle to get minutes.’
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