Man City tell Chelsea transfer target Raheem Sterling they WILL consider a bid despite wanting to keep England star
MANCHESTER CITY have told Raheem Sterling: We’ll consider a bid for you.
The Premier League champions want to keep the Chelsea target but know they are facing a losing battle.
Chelsea are this week set to offer £50million for Sterling, 27, who is keen on the move to London.
City are still hoping Sterling will accept a new contract but they will look at accepting the bid providing the price is right.
The England international still has 12 months of his current deal but is concerned about the game time he will get at the Etihad next season.
He could leave as a free agent next year but wants to play as much as possible ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
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New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is looking to make an instant impact after taking over the club and the signing of Sterling would be a massive coup.
But unusually, he is insisting on being in charge of all the wheeling and dealing at Stamford Bridge now former director and chief negotiator Marina Granovskaia has left the club.
Chelsea confirmed Granovskaia's departure last week, saying in a statement: "The announcement includes the departure of Marina Granovskaia, director of Chelsea FC.
"Boehly will operate as interim sporting director until the Club names a full-time replacement, continuing the Club’s work towards its targets during the current transfer window.
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"Chelsea FC and Ms. Granovskaia have agreed that she will remain available to Boehly and the Club for the duration of the current transfer window, to the extent required to support the transition."
New Blues chief Boehly said of the Russian: "We thank Marina for her many years of excellent service to the Club and wish her all the best in her future ventures."
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England international Sterling enjoyed a stellar season for Pep Guardiola's side, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists.
Sterling's contract with City expires next June and the Premier League champions will be reluctant to lose his services for nothing next year.
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