Chelsea are reportedly continuing to pursue a deadline-day deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.
Having failed to acquire an experienced centre-forward throughout the summer transfer window, that is seemingly the priority of co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Either Brentford's Ivan Toney or Napoli's Victor Osimhen could make the switch to Stamford Bridge before close of business on Friday.
However, there is also the issue of outgoings with head coach Enzo Maresca having decided that he does not want to include Raheem Sterling in his squad.
As per the latest report, the England international has two options on the table, yet it remains to be seen whether a third could emerge over the coming hours.
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Chelsea still keen on Sancho
According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea are attempting to get a deal over the line for Sancho, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
The report claims that the West Londoners are moving closer to an agreement with Man United, with Erik ten Hag having seemingly decided that the winger is not a key option going forward.
Ten Hag and Sancho had reconciled and resolved their differences from last season to the extent where the England international played a regular part in pre-season.
However, aside from a brief outing in the Community Shield, the 24-year-old has not featured during 2024-25, being left out of the squad for the latest Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion.
As a result, it appears more likely than not that Sancho will head out the exit door in due course, but a deal remains complex from Chelsea's perspective.
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Is an exit for Sterling required?
Chelsea are known to be actively looking to offload a number of players, with Sterling and defender Ben Chilwell having been linked with United.
The Red Devils have reportedly opted against pursuing Chilwell, while Sterling is no longer believed to be a priority even if Sancho departs the Theatre of Dreams.
United are said to be open to still signing Sterling, albeit the priority being on finding a new home for Sancho on the back of his loan stint at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of 2023-24.
Darren Plant
