Chelsea’s rivals interested in Raheem Sterling – but transfer will only happen on one condition

West Ham are interested in signing Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in January, talkSPORT understands.

Sterling hasn’t played at all since May having been exiled from the squad by now-departed manager Enzo Maresca.

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The winger has been training alone and away from the Blues’ first team since becoming part of Maresca’s ‘bomb squad’.

His last appearance came for Arsenal in the final game of his loan spell last term, with his career at Stamford Bridge over.

Sterling will now be eyeing a move away from the club this winter after failing to secure a switch in the summer.

And it is understood that West Ham are eyeing a potential approach for the England international this month.

However, there is going to be one condition to be met if the Hammers are wanting to get a deal done.

Sterling is believed to only want to leave Chelsea on a permanent deal and not on loan again.

As things stand, he is not open to leaving the club on loan, unless there is an obligation to buy involved.

But West Ham are looking at a potential loan due to Sterling’s £300,000-per-week wages with the Blues.

If they want to get a move done though, they are going to have to add a permanent clause into the deal.

And currently, it appears that it is unlikely to happen.

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Sterling’s struggles

The 31-year-old looked for an exit from Chelsea in the summer window, but was unable to secure a move.

He was linked to Fulham and Crystal Palace throughout and a potential deadline day deal with the Cottagers didn’t happen.

West Ham were also rumoured to be eyeing an approach in the summer too, but they couldn’t snap him up.

It left him stranded and ousted at the Blues, with his last appearance for the club coming in May 2024.

On loan at Arsenal last season, he got some valuable minutes, picking up 17 Premier League appearances in total.

But now, back at Chelsea, he’s not been involved at all this campaign and is in need of another transfer away.

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West Ham wasting no time

West Ham’s interest in Sterling comes amid their early flurry in the transfer market at the start of the new year.

talkSPORT understands that the Hammers are close to completing a deal to sign Gil Vicente striker Pablo.

They have agreed a fee of €21million [£18.3m] plus €3m [£2.6m] in add-ons to bring the 21-year-old to the London Stadium.

He is undergoing a medical ahead of joining Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side, who are letting Niclas Fullkrug leave.

As well as Pablo, West Ham are also in advanced talks to secure the services of Lazio centre forward Taty Castellanos.

The 23-year-old has played for the Italian side since 2023, where he has scored 22 goals in 98 matches in all competitions.