Transfer speculation: Sterling ‘open to playing in any position’ following departure from Chelsea
Raheem Sterling is open to exploring “all options” as he looks for a new permanent club following his departure from Chelsea this week, while Tottenham Hotspur may consider Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta if Randal Kolo Muani transfers to Juventus.
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TRENDING RUMORS
– Former England international Raheem Sterling is “willing to play anywhere” after finalizing his contract termination with Chelsea this week, according to Sky Sports. Sterling had 18 months remaining on the contract he signed upon joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022, but he is now a free agent. Sources have informed ESPN that multiple clubs have inquired about a loan arrangement, but Sterling has expressed a preference for a permanent transfer to provide stability for himself and his children as he aims to rejuvenate his career. Sky Sports reports that “all options are on the table” for the 31-year-old, and the ability to sign with clubs even after the transfer window has closed presents numerous opportunities for him.
– Tottenham Hotspur might pursue Jean-Philippe Mateta if Randal Kolo Muani moves to Juventus this month, as reported by the Daily Mail. The Serie A club has intensified its interest in Kolo Muani, who is currently on loan at Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain. However, he has struggled to find his best form in North London, netting only twice across all competitions so far. If the France international transfers to Juventus in the closing days of the January transfer window, Crystal Palace striker Mateta is anticipated to become Spurs’ primary target. Meanwhile, Palace has submitted an enhanced offer to Wolverhampton Wanderers for striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, according to Fabrizio Romano.
– Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is expected to make a decision regarding a potential move to Atlético Madrid within the next 24 hours, as per Sky Sports Germany. Earlier this week, it was reported that discussions had taken place between the two parties about a transfer this month, with the Spanish club eager to find a replacement for Conor Gallagher, who has moved to Tottenham Hotspur in a £35 million deal. Goretzka is considered Diego Simeone’s “dream” candidate, although it remains uncertain whether the German international prefers to join Atlético now or wait until the summer. His current contract with Bayern expires at the end of June.
– AC Milan has conducted an extensive meeting with the representatives of Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin, according to Calciomercato. The centre-back is also being pursued by AS Roma and Napoli, and he could still transfer before the January transfer window closes. However, he is not the only defender on Milan’s radar, as Manchester City’s Nathan Aké remains of interest. It is currently unclear whether City manager Pep Guardiola would approve his departure so close to the end of the window.
– AFC Bournemouth is in negotiations to acquire Inter Milan winger Luis Henrique, according to talkSPORT. The Premier League club is proposing an initial loan agreement, with an option to make the transfer permanent for approximately £18 million. Henrique, 24, was heavily linked with Leeds United last summer before ultimately deciding to join Serie A’s Inter. The Brazilian has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, primarily playing as a wing-back due to Denzel Dumfries’ absence.
EXPERT TAKE
play1:57Are Chelsea more entertaining to watch under Liam Rosenior?
Frank Leboeuf reacts to Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League.
OTHER RUMORS
– Paris Saint-Germain has initiated discussions with manager Luis Enrique regarding a new contract, amid interest from the Premier League. (Le Parisien)
– Juventus has explored the possibility of signing Manchester United forward Joshua Zirzkee as a potential alternative to Randal Kolo Muani. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)
– Midfielder Jesse Lingard is garnering interest from several clubs in England and Italy following his departure from FC Seoul. (Daily Mail)
– River Plate has reached an agreement to sign Kendry Páez on loan from Chelsea. The 18-year-old will now travel to Argentina for a medical examination. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Besiktaş is in advanced negotiations to sign Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani on loan until the end of the season, with a future purchase option likely to be included in the agreement. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega may leave Manchester City before the transfer deadline. Bayer Leverkusen has shown longstanding interest in the 33-year-old. (Sky Sports Germany)
– Fiorentina is in discussions to acquire Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. The Frenchman is also being targeted by several clubs in Germany and France. (Sky Sports)
– Denmark international Albert Grønbæk is anticipated to join Hamburg on loan after an agreement was reached with his parent club Rennes. (Footmercato)
– Liverpool youngster Keyrol Figueroa is attracting interest from various European clubs, including Porto. New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC have also expressed interest in the striker, but Europe remains his priority. (Rudy Galetti)
– Vancouver Whitecaps are finalizing a deal to sign Aziel Jackson from Jagiellonia Białystok on an initial loan with a future purchase option. (Tom Bogert)
– Everton continues to be “hugely keen” on securing Jack Grealish permanently this summer from Manchester City. (Football Insider)
