**Newcastle are not considering an approach for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, according to reports.**
Speculative sources had suggested that the Magpies were keen on rescuing the 31-year-old from his exile at Stamford Bridge.
However, _TEAMTalk_ claim that Eddie Howe’s side are not among the clubs hoping to secure Sterling’s services this month.
The former England international has not played any football this season, having returned to Chelsea from his loan spell at Arsenal last summer, but he will have opportunities to move teams in January.
Which clubs are pursuing Sterling?
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The forward is said to prefer a permanent departure from Chelsea, and that is believed to favour Fulham, who are prepared to bring him in on a transfer.
West Ham have expressed some interest in Sterling, but they would favour a loan deal, which is not what the player wants. Crystal Palace have reportedly ended their pursuit after signing Brennan Johnson from Tottenham for £35m.
Who could Newcastle make a move for instead?
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It is believed that the Magpies would like to make a substantial bid for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit. There will be a lot of competition for the Dutchman at the end of the season, so they may have a better chance of snapping up the player this month.
However, [**Smit’s asking price is thought to be excessive**](https://newcastleunitednews.org/blog/newcastle-united-transfer-news-kees-smit/), and the sale of Joe Willock may be needed to partly fund such a sizeable bid.
Sporting Director Ross Wilson is also on the lookout for young players, and it did appear as if a move for Toulouse’s Dayann Methalie was on the cards.
However, the 19-year-old is expected to undergo knee surgery, so an approach for the left-back may be delayed until a later date.
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