Manchester United hold Raheem Sterling talks as Chelsea eye late Jadon Sancho swoop | OneFootball

Both out-of-favour wingers hope that fresh starts could reignite their respective England careers

Chelsea and Manchester United have held exploratory talks over a deal for Raheem Sterling, with the Blues also one of the clubs who are interested in signing Jadon Sancho.

Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at former club Borussia Dortmund and scored three goals in 21 appearances.

The 24-year-old has not been able to work his way back into Erik ten Hag’s plans this summer, though, and could now leave Old Trafford this week.

Late drama: Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho could swap clubs before Friday’s transfer deadline

Getty Images

It remains to be seen what offer United would accept, but an intriguing element of any deal is that the club are interested in Sterling.

The winger has fallen out of favour at Chelsea and had his squad number given to new signing Pedro Neto.

Sterling is hoping to leave Chelsea before the transfer window closes, ideally to a Premier League club and on a permanent deal.

The fact that Chelsea are keen on Sancho - and United are interested in Sterling - has led to reports of an ambitious swap deal.

Sterling previously played for Liverpool and Manchester City before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022.

The 29-year-old hopes a move away from Chelsea could reignite his England career ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Crystal Palace had expressed an interest in Sterling, although his wages - which are reportedly more than £300,000-a-week - are a stumbling block.

Sterling is currently training away from the rest of the Chelsea squad, along with several other players who are hoping for moves away from Stamford Bridge before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Left-back Ben Chilwell is in the same situation, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca working with a squad of around 20 to 22 players.