Representatives of Raheem Sterling have reportedly denied claims of ever entertaining a transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
The winger is currently in his second season at Chelsea having chosen to take on a new challenge after his successful stint with Manchester City.
Although the 29-year-old continues to divide opinion at Stamford Bridge, he has still contributed 17 goals and 12 assists from his 70 appearances in all competitions.
Despite being over nine months short of his 30th birthday, the England international is one of the elder statesmen in the Chelsea dressing room ahead of Thiago Silva's expected departure in the summer.
Previous reports have indicated that Chelsea recognise Sterling's value as a mentor to younger players, despite not always showing his best form on the pitch.
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Nevertheless, with Chelsea in a position where they need to raise funds to meet FFP criteria in the short and long term, Sterling has been suggested as someone who could be allowed to leave in the summer.
Earlier on Wednesday, a report in HITC claimed that Sterling had been offered to a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Last summer, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and N'Golo Kante all departed for West Londoners to sign for clubs competing in that particular division.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, though, Sterling has never expressed an openness to sign for top-flight leaders Al-Hilal, who are allegedly monitoring the situation.
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Romano says that intermediaries of Sterling have never "engaged" in or "discussed" a transfer to Al-Hilal, while adding that he remains committed to Chelsea's project.
Unlike some of his teammates, who have contracts to at least 2030, Sterling's deal is due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
On the pitch, Sterling has started the last two games against Man City in the Premier League and Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, scoring in the former versus his former club.
That said, in 11 appearances since the turn of the year, Sterling has chipped in with just two goals and two assists, the other contributions coming in cup ties against Preston North End and Middlesbrough respectively.
Darren Plant
