Champions Chelsea are interested in signing contract rebel Raheem Sterling from Liverpool, but are not prepared to meet the £50m price tag the Merseyside club are demanding, Sky Sports have reported.
Sterling, who is seen as one of England’s best young talents, had been the subject of a season full of contract speculation, before the winger told BBC Sport that he would not sign a new contract with Liverpool.
The Blues have joined a host of European clubs interested in Sterling, with Sky Sports reporting that Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City, who have already made a £25m bid rejected, are all looking to sign him.
However, Chelsea do not have the best experience when it comes to spending £50m for a Liverpool player (we all know what happened with Fernando Torres).
And though the Blues are reportedly interested, it is unlikely that Mourinho will make Sterling the most expensive English player ever by meeting Liverpool’s £50m demand.
Following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and injury after injury for former Blue Daniel Sturridge, Sterling has become a key member of Brendand Rogers’ squad over the last 12 months.
The winger scored 11 goals and provided nine assists in all competitions this season, but has been criticised for his actions off of the pitch. The England international received further criticism following his poor miss in England’s 3-2 victory over Slovenia.
