Exclusive: Leeds and Crystal Palace in Battle to Rescue Exiled Raheem Sterling from Chelsea

Leeds United and Crystal Palace are preparing to battle it out for Raheem Sterling as both clubs monitor the forgotten Chelsea star’s situation at Stamford Bridge, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former Liverpool, Manchester City and England winger has not featured for Enzo Maresca’s side since May last year, having been told by the Italian that he has no future in west London despite being under contract until 2027.

And that has alerted The Whites to the possibility of launching an ambitious swoop for Sterling, as they look to bolster their options during the January transfer window. 

After losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal over the summer, Selhurst Park boss Oliver Glasner is also keen on orchestrating a cross-capital move in order to improve his squad’s chances of a top seven finish.

Sterling would prefer to remain in the south for personal reasons, identifying a desire to be close to his family as a factor behind his decision to leave City and join Chelsea three seasons ago. 

But Leeds believe the prospect of regular first team football could persuade him to head north should Daniel Farke, their German manager, lend his backing to a bid.

EXPLOSIVE

With Wilfried Gnonto plagued by a series of niggling injuries so far this term and Daniel James struggling to make the same kind of explosive impact he did during their march out of the Championship, Farke’s employers are keen to strengthen their options down the flanks after slipping perilously close to the relegation zone only seven months after gaining promotion.

Sterling would ordinarily be out of their price range, and prohibitively expensive for Palace too. 

However, after being ordered to train with the reserves and having last taken part in a senior fixture in May, at the end of a frustrating loan spell with Arsenal, Chelsea are prepared to heavily subsidise his wages in order to engineer his departure. 

Sterling earns a reported £300,000 a week with the five-time Premier League title winners. But there are reports Chelsea could underwrite more than half that amount should they receive a serious approach for his services.

Palace hope their proximity to Sterling’s home in Berkshire would see them emerge as favourites for his signature. 

Leeds’ greater profile and stature, though, could tip the balance in their favour if Farke receives the green light to complete what would be a statement deal.

Sterling and teammate Axel Disasi, who has also been sent to train with the youth squads, were both recently linked with separate moves to Saudi Arabia, but neither deal materialised — with Sterling’s preference always firmly set on remaining in the UK.