Manchester United have decided they don't want to pay a fee for Raheem Sterling but are open to signing the Chelsea star before Friday's transfer deadline, according to reports.
The England international is free to leave Stamford Bridge, with new Blues boss Enzo Maresca saying he 'preferred' other wingers earlier this month.
Sterling has played for two of United's fiercest rivals throughout his career so far.
He previously made a name for himself at Liverpool before moving to Manchester City in 2015, where he'd go on to spend seven years prior to joining Chelsea.
Man Utd could sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea before the transfer window shuts on Friday
REUTERS
United are open to landing the 29-year-old at a time when they're looking to offload Jadon Sancho.
But any deal will have to be on their terms - and The Sun say the Red Devils are reluctant to pay any sort of fee for the Chelsea forward.
Sancho could even head to west London as part of the arrangement.
Big things were expected of the forward when he joined United back in the summer transfer window of 2021.
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Sancho was actually linked with Chelsea that year but, in the end, opted to seal a move to Old Trafford instead.
His spell at United hasn't worked out, however, with the 24-year-old often struggling for consistency.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund after a bitter falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.
And though the duo insist they've put their feud behind them, Sancho has been left out of matchday squads for matches with Fulham and Brighton so far.
Regarding Sterling, Chelsea thought they were onto a winner when they recruited the winger from City two years ago.
But he's failed to shine during his time in the capital and a move back to Manchester is thought to appeal to the player.
United have signed three players from Chelsea over the past decade, with Juan Mata the first to move between the two clubs in January 2014.
Nemanja Matic then crossed the divide three years later, with Mason Mount then moving from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford last summer.
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Man Utd could offload Jadon Sancho to Chelsea with the Blues keen to strike a late transfer deal
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Meanwhile, former United star Louis Saha has opened up on the rumours linking Sterling to hos old side.
And the Frenchman has advised the Red Devils against a move for the Chelsea flop as Friday's transfer deadline creeps closer.
"He’s a great player and I don’t understand why he’s in the situation he’s in at Chelsea," he said.
"I don’t really understand Chelsea at all. Due to his age, I don’t see Raheem fitting the bill for Manchester United.
Man Utd are reluctant to pay a transfer fee for Chelsea star Raheem Sterling
PA
“I know that we need to find that extra flair, but I would prefer to see Marcus Rashford on top form rather than signing another player in the same position.
"I don’t see the benefits from that situation. I’d prefer to see an attacking midfielder, which is what Jadon Sancho is.”
