Raheem Sterling is reportedly seeking assurances over his playing time if he is to make a sensational move from Manchester City to Chelsea this summer.
The 74-cap England forward won another Premier League title with City last season and played 47 times in all competitions, scoring 17 goals – but has not always been first choice at the Etihad.
Sterling has been linked with a switch from City, with Chelsea among those interested in landing his signature.
Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move away from Man City in the summer window
Reports suggest several European heavyweights increasingly feel Sterling is open to leaving the club – despite not yet revealing his intentions about his future.
According to The Sun, Chelsea want to sign Sterling for around £60million – but the player wants guarantees from manager Thomas Tuchel that he will not be left warming the bench.
Sterling, who joined City from Liverpool for around £49m in 2015, wants to play regularly to improve his chances of being selected in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
His contract at the Etihad expires in 2023, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side could sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing, but the club may demand as much as £50m-60m for him.
Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly considering an approach for winger Sterling
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel (pictured) reportedly wants to sign Sterling to bolster his attack
The 27-year-old, who wants to have a key role in a team challenging for trophies, admitted in October he could leave due to a lack of playing time, and paused talks with the club about his future to see if the situation changed.
Despite starting 23 of City’s 38 league games last campaign, he was on the bench for several key matches, including both legs of their Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid.
The signings of forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, plus more game time for Jack Grealish in his second season, could further restrict his playing time.
Sterling could become a marquee transfer for Chelsea under new owner Todd Boehly, whose consortium recently completed a £4.25bn takeover of the club.
The star England forward, 27, has won four Premier League titles with Pep Guardiola’s side
