Chelsea: Raheem Sterling open to Fulham transfer after West Ham loan approach is rejected | OneFootball

Sterling is hopeful of leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window after being frozen out of the first team picture

Sterling and French centre-back Axel Disasi are the two remaining players in Chelsea’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ and both are desperate to secure moves out of Cobham during the January window.

Standard Sport understands West Ham contacted Chelsea to express their interest in taking Sterling on loan for the second half of the season.

Chelsea want a permanent sale, and at this stage Sterling is only prepared to consider a permanent move or a loan with an unconditional obligation to buy.

For those reasons, the Hammers’ approach was rejected by all parties.

Sterling was linked with Crystal Palace and was the subject of interest from West Ham and Fulham in the summer. His preference then was to remain in London, and that remains the same six months on.

The 31-year-old has not played a single minute of competitive football this season. When he joined Arsenal on loan for the final six months of last season, he scored once in 28 appearances.

Sterling left Manchester City to join Chelsea in July 2022 on a five-year contract for a £47.5 million fee.