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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has reiterated that reported Manchester United target Raheem Sterling is not in his plans for the future, even as he refused to rule out the possibility of a late swoop for Jadon Sancho.
Sterling has been mentioned as a player United could look to lure to Old Trafford ahead of deadline day on Friday.
United sporting director Dan Ashworth is particularly believed to be “enthusiastic” about the prospect of adding Sterling to Erik ten Hag’s ranks.
A swap deal involving Sterling and Sancho has been mooted although a number of complex challenges must first be resolved before proceeding.
It’s understood that Sterling wants clarity on his contractual situation with Chelsea before he gives the go-ahead to try and complete a transfer to United. The former Manchester City man earns in excess of £300k-a-week at Stamford Bridge and he stands to lose millions of pounds as a result of the three years left on this lucrative deal.
Earlier today, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United and Chelsea were locked in negotiations for Ben Chilwell and during these talks, Sterling was discussed.
Maresca faced the media on Wednesday and doubled down on his previous remarks that there is little to no chance of Sterling salvaging his career with the Blues.
The Italian said, “He’s [Sterling] a fantastic guy but only thing is every manager has a different idea.”
“He is not the type of winger I like… that says nothing about him, the history and numbers speak for Raheem.”
🔵⚠️ Maresca confirms there’s no way back for Sterling: “He’s a fantastic guy but only thing is every manager has a different idea”.
“He is not the type of winger I like… that says nothing about him, the history and numbers speak for Raheem”. pic.twitter.com/j5jtZIlJzn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2024
Maresca also opened the door to the possibility of Sancho signing for Chelsea.
The Chelsea gaffer remarked, “If we can sign a player that can help us, for sure I would do it!”
“Jadon is not our player. I know him very well. But he is not our player!”
🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca on Sancho-Chelsea move: “If we can sign a player that can help us, for sure I would do it!”.
“Jadon is not our player. I know him very well. But he is not our player!”, says via @BobbyVincentFL. pic.twitter.com/bRZA1CPy77
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2024
The situation is certainly one to keep an eye on as the close of the summer transfer window nears, especially considering suggestions that United are prepared to present Sterling with a contract offer.
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