Chelsea are keen to loan out Dujon Sterling once again this summer, with QPR and Preston North End interested in the defender.
The defender was absent from Chelsea’s pre-season squad for their tour of the United States, instead remaining at Cobham.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel had previously given Sterling confidence, being a key part of his pre-season plans last year.
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Speaking during his loan move at Blackpool last season, Sterling said: “It was one of the best pre-seasons I’ve had.
“I felt really good and I had the confidence back to play my game and try to impress. I think I did, that was the feedback I got too.
“And it was great to get a positive reaction from the supporters, especially after the Arsenal game. I had good words from Tuchel – he believed in me and felt I should get out and get game time.”
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It was previously reported that Tuchel had told the defender to be ready to fight for his place in pre-season, but it now appears that a loan move is the most likely outcome this summer.
However, it has now been revealed that Chelsea are willing to let the defender go out on loan once more.
As reported by Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, Chelsea are ‘ready to sanction’ a loan move for the defender but will not entertain a sale.
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Tuchel regards the 22-year-old highly but there is no space for Sterling in the first-team squad for the coming season.
The defender has just one year left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea have the opportunity to extend this by another year due to a clause in his contract.
While the Blues want to see his short-term future on loan, it remains to be seen whether he is in Tuchel’s long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.
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The head coach is keen to bring in further defensive reinforcements during this summer’s transfer window, having already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.
Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli, while the likes of Jules Kounde have been linked with a transfer.
However, it appears that Barcelona will beat Chelsea in the race for the French international, leaving Tuchel’s side frustrated once again.
As things stand, Cesar Azpilicueta will remain at the club and can play in the same positions as Sterling, who will be hopeful that a successful Championship loan can aid his chances for first team football at Chelsea.
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Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Dujon Sterling, Football, Preston North End, QPR, Transfers
Nick Emms