Raheem Sterling saga takes fresh twist as winger holds talks with Chelsea hierarchy
Raheem Sterling has held clear-the-air talks with the Chelsea hierarchy after being deemed surplus to requirements
PA
Raheem Sterling has held clear-the-air talks with Chelsea and has agreed to leave the club this summer, according to reports.
The England international has often flattered to deceive since his move from Manchester City two years ago and was overlooked for Sunday's Premier League clash against his old club.
Speaking on Wednesday, Blues boss Enzo Maresca confirmed Sterling was surplus to requirements.
It came just days after the winger's camp had asked for 'clarity' from the club, with Sterling previously expecting to be involved in the 2-0 defeat to City on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling has held clear-the-air talks with the Chelsea hierarchy after being deemed surplus to requirements
PA
The Daily Mail say Sterling has since held clear-the-air talks with the Chelsea board.
There's still no way back for the former Liverpool and City star, however, with all parties coming to an agreement that it's time for him to go.
Chelsea are now set to focus on securing a permanent transfer for Sterling, with several sides being linked.
West Ham have bolstered their squad following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui and could launch a move as they look to secure European football.
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Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce have emerged as potential suitors, too.
And Juventus have been credited with an interest, with the Serie A giants hopeful of scaling the heights of old following the appointment of Thiago Motta as manager earlier in the summer.
Big things were expected of Sterling upon moving to Chelsea two years ago.
He had previously established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League at City, where he won four league titles.
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Yet Sterling has never quite discovered his best form at Chelsea, despite offering glimpses of his quality.
Maresca said on Wednesday that his decision to cut the England international loose is because he 'prefers other wingers'.
In addition to Sterling, Chelsea also have Mykhailo Mudryk, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku.
Even new signing Joao Felix can play there, with the Portugal international often deployed on the flanks during his loan spell with Barcelona last season.
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Raheem Sterling has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
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And Maresca said: "I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer a different kind of winger."
Another player set to leave Chelsea is defender Ben Chilwell.
Maresca says the left-back is a 'lovely guy' but that he'd struggled to get minutes this season.
"The situation with both of them is quite clear. There is not any update," he added.
Raheem Sterling has often struggled since joining Chelsea from Man City two years ago
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"We have a big squad and it is impossible to give all of them minutes, so probably it is better to leave.
"Brutal? I just try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game and said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us.
"Chilwell is a lovely guy but because of his position he is going to struggle with us."