Yahoo News Odds plummet on Raheem Sterling to Aston Villa transfer as 'brutal' situation monitored
Aston Villa are said to be ‘monitoring' the Raheem Sterling situation, with the outcast England winger looking to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
The 29-year-old former Liverpool and Manchester City player was not part of the Blues squad for their season opener, a 2-0 defeat to champions City, prompting a statement from the player seeking "clarity" on his future.
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has since revealed: “I spoke with Raheem before the City game. I told him he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. If you find this brutal, it is up to you to decide.”
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Clubs across Europe have been put on alert by the situation, most significantly Juventus, but now reports in London suggest there is Villa interest in the player, having recently sold Moussa Diaby and then missing out to Chelsea on the signing of prime summer target Joao Felix.
Football365 are claiming Villa interest, saying the England international has no expectation of featuring for Chelsea this season.
Bookmakers also seem convinced that there is some substance to the reports. According to Betfair, the odds of Sterling joining Villa have plummeted from 14/1 to just 5/1 amid rival interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022. He was one of the first players to join the club following the takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
The statement released by Sterling's representatives read: "He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.
"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.
"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.
"Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."
