Source: REUTERS/TONY O BRIEN
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, Raheem Sterling now hopes to permanently transfer away from Chelsea and has been asked by the club to stay away from first-team facilities, including the dining hall. Previously, Chelsea had given Sterling’s number 7 jersey to new signing Pedro Lomba Neto. Reports indicate that Sterling is no longer part of Chelsea’s plans and will leave the club during this summer transfer window. It is said that Crystal Palace has already expressed interest in Sterling after learning he is not on Chelsea’s first-team roster. Currently, Sterling is seeking to leave during the final week of the transfer window but wants to remain in England. Chelsea is gathering information on clubs interested in Sterling and will present these options for him to choose from. Any deal involving Sterling, whether permanent or loaned out, will be complicated. Sterling has three years left on his contract with Chelsea, earning over £300,000 per week; unless Chelsea subsidizes part of his salary, it is unlikely other Premier League clubs can afford him. Staying in London may be appealing for Sterling as his family is settled there.