Chelsea target Raheem Sterling ‘would give serious consideration’ to joining the club this summer if he is to leave Manchester City, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 27-year-old’s current contract is due to expire in 12 months’ time, and after showing little sign of putting pen to paper on fresh terms, he has been heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium.

What is the latest news involving Sterling?

Sky Sports have reported that Chelsea ‘are confident’ they can sign Sterling over the coming months as long as a fee can be agreed with City chiefs.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is said to be ‘a big admirer’ of the England international and believes he would be better suited to his possession-based system than the departing Romelu Lukaku.

However, a potential stumbling block is the difference in valuation that the two Premier League giants have of the player, who earns £300,000-per-week.

City are understood to value Sterling at around £60 million, despite his contractual situation, while Chelsea believe a fee closer to £35m would be a fair price considering Sadio Mane just departed Liverpool for that figure.

It’s claimed that although the west London outfit are yet to open any ‘formal dialogue’ with Sterling, he is carefully considering his options, and Chelsea could step up their efforts once Lukaku’s loan move to Inter is confirmed.

What has O’Rourke said about Sterling?

O’Rourke believes the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez at City could limit Sterling’s game time in the future and that he would consequently contemplate a move to Stamford Bridge.

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He told GiveMeSport: “I think it's something he would give serious consideration to if he is to leave Manchester City.

“Obviously, his place is under threat at Manchester City following the rivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez. So, I think Chelsea is a big club with huge ambitions.”

Where would Sterling fit in at Chelsea?

Sterling has showcased his impressive versatility throughout his career, playing on his favoured left-hand side, through the middle, and on the right-wing on numerous occasions.

And with the likes of Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech having uncertain futures at Chelsea, there shouldn’t be an issue finding space for a classy operator such as Sterling in Tuchel’s system.

The creative talent would likely play in one of the supporting roles alongside Mason Mount either side of Kai Havertz most often, adding a much-needed goal threat to Chelsea’s often frustrating forward line.