Aston Villa approach Chelsea over potential transfer of Raheem Sterling | Raheem Sterling

Aston Villa are in talks over a transfer for Raheem Sterling, who is looking for a new challenge after being told he has no future at Chelsea.

Sterling has not trained since his sending-off against Manchester City last summer and the winger is keen to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes next Friday.

The winger has attracted interest from Villa, who are hoping to add another attacker to Unai Emery’s squad, although moving the 29-year-old could prove challenging given he has three years left on a deal worth £325,000-a-week. There is a sense that Villa could be open to a loan deal if a solution can be found on the payslip.

Sterling, who has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, has indicated he is keen to leave permanently and is willing to work with the club to find a solution after being told he is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans. The former City forward, who joined Chelsea for £47.5million two years ago, is keen to be informed of potential opportunities.

Chelsea and Villa have been in regular contact over contracts this summer. Villa tried to sign Conor Gallagher, who has moved to Atlético Madrid, and bought Ian Maatsen from the west London club. Chelsea signed Omari Kellyman from Villa and were interested in signing Colombian forward Jhon Durán from Emery’s team. Talks over Durán, who scored against West Ham last week, could resume if Maresca gets his wish for a new striker.

Chelsea’s main target in attack is Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, but he is not interested in leaving Napoli on loan. Napoli representatives have been in London to hold talks over the signing of £97.5million striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea. Ipswich are waiting for a loan deal for Armando Broja to be finalised.