A second Premier League club has emerged as a surprise potential destination for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea signed Sterling from Manchester City two years ago in a deal worth £47.5 million, but last week he was told he will struggle for game time under new coach Enzo Maresca this season.
Sterling held talks with club bosses after his representatives released a statement asking for clarity moments after the winger was left out of the Chelsea squad for their Premier League defeat to City last weekend.
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He was also left out of Chelsea's squad submitted to UEFA ahead of their Conference League play-off first leg victory against Servette on Thursday.
The club have agreed to present Sterling with options to facilitate his departure before transfer deadline day next week, and have already given his No.7 shirt to summer recruit Pedro Neto.
Sterling's huge £325,000 per week salary could make a move difficult, although it's understood the 29-year-old would take a pay-cut if presented with the right kind of project.
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Serie A giants Juventus are interested in Sterling, as are Aston Villa. The latter are looking to maintain their position among the Premier League's top clubs this season after finishing fourth last term.
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace have emerged as a surprise candidate to offer Sterling an escape from Stamford Bridge.
The London club are looking to sign a wide player after losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich earlier this summer, and could still raise significant funds by selling defenders Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi before the window closes.
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The report states that Oliver Glasner's side are currently figuring out whether or not a deal is feasible.
While Palace are not a club of the same stature as Chelsea, the fact that Sterling's family are settled in London following his move from City two years ago could play into their favour.
Topics: Raheem Sterling, Transfer News, Premier League, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Juventus