Chelsea star explores exit options

Chelsea star Raheem Sterling is exploring his options as he looks set to complete a move away from Stamford Bridge, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside In the latest edition of his Daily Briefing column, Romano provided more clarity on Sterling’s situation, playing down links to specific clubs but making it clear that talks would take place in the coming days.

Sterling was surprisingly left out of Chelsea’s squad for last weekend’s clash with Manchester City, while Enzo Maresca has publicly stated that the England international is not in his plans.

It seems that things haven’t progressed much at this point. Romano indicates that it is too early to give concrete updates on specific teams that want to sign Sterling. But other than that, the plan for the player is clear.

Sterling transfer: Romano’s update on Chelsea winger’s future

“Despite rumours, no specific clubs have been named yet, but Sterling’s team are exploring their options now that he is leaving Chelsea,” Romano said.

“The decision is clear after the conversation with Maresca, so Sterling leaves and it’s over with Chelsea. Negotiations will follow in the coming days with different possibilities.”

You can imagine that there is quite a bit of interest in a big name like Sterling, even though he has not been at his best in recent seasons at Stamford Bridge.

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It seems that the 29-year-old has passed his peak, but a year or two ago he was undoubtedly a world-class player and he will not have lost that talent so quickly.

CFC fans will no doubt be hoping that this somewhat messy affair is resolved as quickly as possible, although Maresca may have made it more difficult to convince clubs to pay a significant fee for a player he has made so clear he does not want.