Chelsea may have been boosted in their pursuit of Raheem Sterling as Manchester City are 'pushing him towards an exit' amid interest from Stamford Bridge, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Blues are still seeking their first signing of the Todd Boehly era, after the American's consortium completed a £4.25billion takeover last month, but Sterling continues to be linked with a move to west London.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

What's the latest news involving Sterling?

Sterling has entered the final 12 months of his £300,000-per-week contract at Manchester City, meaning there are major question marks over where his long-term future lies.

Chelsea are looking to profit from the uncertainty and, according to The Athletic, have approached the reigning Premier League champions in an attempt to strike a deal.

The report suggests both clubs are willing to sanction the move and a bid is expected imminently as Sterling, a 77-cap England international, has already held discussions with Blues head coach Thomas Tuchel.

While a stumbling block could turn out to be the fee Manchester City are looking for, Chelsea are reportedly seeking a valuation and may look to lure Nathan Ake away from the Etihad Stadium in a big-money double deal.

The west Londoners are understood to be growing in confidence that they will succeed in welcoming Sterling to Stamford Bridge in a cut-price switch.

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What has Dean Jones said about Sterling?

Jones believes Sterling is facing up to a difficult choice as he could potentially opt to see out the final year of his Manchester City contract, resulting in the possibility of more suitors coming forward when he is a free agent.

However, the transfer insider understands his current employers are eager to cash-in this summer instead of risking missing out on a lucrative fee.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "This is a big decision for Sterling to make as he has also been considering going on a free next summer - as he knows Real Madrid or Barcelona will take him.

"City seem to be pushing him towards an exit now though and that is why Chelsea could happen."

Why is Sterling of interest to Chelsea?

Chelsea finished 19 points adrift of Manchester City last season, but swooping for one of their big attacking threats could be crucial in the Blues closing the gap.

Sterling would add goals and creativity to Tuchel's side, emphasised by the fact he has found the back of the net 154 times and contributed a further 120 assists over the course of his senior club career.

Boehly will be aiming for huge amounts of success after taking the club off Roman Abramovich's hands and winning trophies is something the 27-year-old target has become accustomed to, having lifted silverware on 12 occasions during his time at Manchester City.