Chelsea are on the brink of agreeing to terminate Raheem Sterling's contract and allowing him to leave the club after three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge, according to Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.
The 31-year-old has been linked with a move away from the west London club during the January transfer window, with an exit now drawing closer.
The former England international hasn't made a single appearance for the Blues under Enzo Maresca or Liam Rosenior this season, and he also hasn't been named in any matchday squads.
Should Chelsea and Sterling finalise a deal to cancel a contract due to expire in 2027, it would appear to be the best move for all parties.
Sterling Can Join New Club as a Free Agent
raheem sterling
The latest development is good news for the Englishman in particular, as it not only allows him to join a new club on a free transfer - which is likely to be more attractive to suitors - but he can also sign for a new club outside the transfer window too.
Posting on X on Wednesday afternoon, McGrath has posted an exclusive update on the situation.
Prior to being frozen out at the Bridge, Sterling has made 81 appearances for the Blues since joining in the summer of 2022 in a £50m deal from Manchester City, scoring 19 goals and providing a further 15 assists.
The 31-year-old - who reportedly earns in the region of £325,000-a-week - spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but after the Gunners decided against signing the forward permanently he returned to Chelsea, where he has been exiled from the squad and forced to train separately.
Who Will Raheem Sterling Join Next?
Raheem Sterling during a pre-match warm-up at Arsenal
Sterling was keen to avoid another loan move away from Chelsea and instead agree a permanent transfer elsewhere, and this proposed solution is likely to open up his options.
Premier League side Fulham have long been linked with the attacker and are seen as one of the favourites to be his next club. Joining the Cottagers would allow Sterling to remain in west London should he want to.
West Ham and Crystal Palace could be two other English top flight sides to look out for, while links with clubs in Saudi and the MLS will no doubt follow.
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