Chelsea are hoping to bring in a defender along with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling before they jet off on their pre-season tour this summer, it has been reported.
This comes following the Blues’ return to pre-season training, with those not involved in end of season international fixtures taking part in sessions at Cobham on Saturday.
Sterling is expected to sign a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge as he could become Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s first signing as Chelsea owners.
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It looks like a transfer is edging closer as Sterling has recently negotiated a deal to sell his house in Cheshire to Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, with him set to leave Manchester for good.
A date for the transfer has not been set, with it thought that the Blues had wanted him to sign as soon as possible in order for Sterling to have a full pre-season under Thomas Tuchel.
It was previously said that Chelsea would look to wrap up a deal by the end of week but with a fee yet to be agreed officially, it remains to be seen as to whether this would be likely.
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As reported by Matt Law of The Telegraph, Chelsea are hoping to sign a defender along with Sterling before the end of the week.
Chelsea have recently been handed a blow in their pursuit for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, with Bayern Munich said to be interested in securing his services.
De Ligt was said to be impressed with the way in which Chelsea head coach Tuchel helps to bring the best out of defenders but would still prefer a move to the Bundesliga when he leaves Juventus this summer.
Bayern are unwilling to pay such a high fee that Juventus are demanding this summer, however, leaving the door open for Chelsea.
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However, with negotiations set to continue it remains to be seen as to whether the Blues could do a deal by the end of the week.
Nathan Ake of Manchester City has also been linked and could be more attainable as parallel negotiations have taken place during discussions for Sterling.
Chelsea head coach Tuchel believes Ake could be a key part of his plans for next season.
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However, Man City have set the price tag at £50 million for the former Chelsea player.
Therefore, it is unclear as to whether the Blues are willing to match this valuation for a player that they let leave in the past.
With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leaving the club during the summer, Chelsea are keen to replace them as soon as possible.
However, it remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be done for both Sterling and a defender before the end of the week.
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Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Raheem Sterling, Manchester City, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms