After Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Fulham have also begun exploring a move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, according to a report.
The Blues have once again identified a ‘Bomb Squad’ of unwanted players they are looking to shift before the window shuts. So far, the majority of Chelsea’s business has focused on incomings, with the Stamford Bridge club signing seven players to the tune of €244 million.
To be sure, Chelsea have already completed several sales, with the majority of them bringing in a profit. €121m have been raised from the departures of Noni Madueke, Djordje Petrovic, Mathis Amougou, Bashir Humphreys, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli.
However, there are still a host of players who are expected to depart West London, with Chelsea planning to receive big fees for Christopher Nkunku and Renato Veiga, for example.
There are also players who look set to leave the club, but who may not even have to move out of West London. That is because local rivals Fulham have taken an interest in several Blues players.
Fulham want Sterling, Dewsbury-Hall
Earlier this week, it emerged that Fulham have started to explore a move for Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has only been at Stamford Bridge for 12 months.
The former Leicester star struggled for regular minutes last term and is a possible candidate to depart. The Cottagers were open to a loan or a permanent move, but first wanted to figure out if a deal was even feasible.
Now, The Telegraph reports that Raheem Sterling is also a name being considered by Chelsea’s rivals as they seek to finally kickstart their summer business. So far, Fulham’s only real success in the market has been convincing Keny Tete to extend his contract.
Sterling is open to moving to Craven Cottage, but it is understood that Fulham will likely wait until later in the window to make their move. Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, who had his loan cut short due to injury last season, is also being targeted again.
Cottagers boss Marco Silva has attempted to reassure frustrated supporters by stating that Fulham are ‘working hard’ on signings. “Myself as a manager and all the managers, they would prefer to have the squad almost complete in this stage of the pre-season,” he told Sky Sports.
“Until now, it’s not been possible, and I understand the fans. But what I can tell them is we are working hard. We haven’t started in terms of signings, but we have a lot of business to do in this market.”
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