Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Chelsea over a summer move to Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old now has just 12 months left to run on his existing contract with the Premier League champions, who have been attempting to tie him down to fresh terms.
However, the two parties are yet to reach an agreement over a new deal, and City are running the risk of Sterling walking out of the door on a free transfer in 2023.
Pep Guardiola's side could therefore be forced into a sale in the coming weeks, and there was thought to have been interest from Barcelona in January, which ultimately went nowhere.
Chelsea have apparently now emerged as the frontrunners to sign Sterling this summer, and according to Sky Sports News, talks have now progressed to an advanced stage.
© Reuters
The report claims that Man City have no qualms with letting Sterling leave to a Premier League rival, with the England international still enjoying a strong relationship with club and manager.
The Premier League champions are still after a fee of approximately £50m to part ways with Sterling, in spite of his contract situation, and one source indicates that the two clubs are now close to reaching an agreement.
Sterling could also expect to earn a higher wage at Stamford Bridge having been promised a key attacking role by Thomas Tuchel, and he would welcome the chance to move closer to family in London.
The former Liverpool youngster ended the 2021-22 season with 17 goals and nine assists to boast from 47 outings in all tournaments, but there are supposedly no longer any plans in place to extend his contract.
City have won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, five EFL Cups and two Community Shields with Sterling in the squad, and he has totalled 131 goals and 94 assists in 337 outings for the Manchester outfit since his 2015 arrival.
© Reuters
Chelsea manager Tuchel could be working with a new-look attack for the 2022-23 season, as the unsettled Romelu Lukaku has left to rejoin Inter Milan on loan.
Hakim Ziyech is also understood to be in advanced talks over a move to AC Milan, while Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic's futures continue to be called into question.
Pulisic is supposedly keen to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge but would be pushed further down the pecking order by Sterling, and the Blues are also said to be considering a shock bid for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has allegedly told Manchester United that he wants to move elsewhere this summer, and Blues owner Todd Boehly has mentioned the idea of a Stamford Bridge switch to agent Jorge Mendes.
Chelsea also remain in the race to sign Raphinha from Leeds United, but the Brazil international is believed to have his heart set on a move to Barcelona and has instructed agent Deco to block the Blues' £60m offer.
Ben Knapton
