Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing Chelsea attacker Raheem Sterling before the end of the summer window.
The 29-year-old was a prominent part of the Blues' pre-season schedule, featuring in matches against the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City.
However, Sterling was left out of Chelsea's squad for the opening match of the Premier League term - a 2-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola's Citizens at Stamford Bridge.
Due to his omission, the attacker's representatives released a statement asking for clarity on their client's place in Enzo Maresca's plans in West London.
Since then, Sterling has been stripped of his squad number by Chelsea, who later went on to hand the number-seven jersey to summer arrival Pedro Neto.
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Man United 'still considering' Sterling move
According to the Manchester Evening News, out-of-favour Chelsea man Sterling could still depart Stamford Bridge before Friday's transfer deadline.
The report claims that Man United remain keen on a late move for the 29-year-old, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell on the blue side of Manchester in the past.
It is understood that the Red Devils and Chelsea held exploratory talks over a high-profile deal for the transfer of Sterling on Tuesday morning.
It was stated that Man United wantaway Jadon Sancho could be used as part of a swap deal, although the former Borussia Dortmund man looks set for a switch to Juventus in Serie A.
Since Tuesday's initial discussions, it is believed that talks not have advanced any further between United and Chelsea, with a transfer for Sterling to Old Trafford 'feeling unlikely' at this stage.
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Sterling has plenty to offer for Man United
Following his switch from Manchester City to Chelsea during the summer of 2022, Sterling has featured on 81 occasions for the London club, scoring 19 times.
The former England international was the recipient of heavy criticism at stages last term, despite being one of the Blues' most productive attackers.
Sterling found the net 10 times and provided eight assists across 43 appearances during 2023-24, numbers only Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson could better in Mauricio Pochettino's squad.
Turning 30 years old in December, the ex-Liverpool man is nowhere near finished at the top level and would be a solid addition for Erik ten Hag's side.
Carter White
