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Raheem Sterling is readying himself for London life amid speculation linking the Manchester City winger with Chelsea.
England international Sterling, 27, has just 12 months left to run on his current deal at the Etihad and could leave on a free transfer next summer.
He may be available for a cut-price fee as a result and The Athletic claim the Blues are becoming increasingly confident of striking an agreement.
The report suggests Sterling — who scored 17 goals in all competitions last term — has already asked close friends about living in the capital.
He has also shown interest in Thomas Tuchel’s coaching methods, suggesting a Stamford Bridge switch holds plenty of appeal.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens have turned down Chelsea’s initial £21.5million bid but a second approach is considered inevitable.
City are supposedly open-minded about letting both Sterling and his team-mate Gabriel Jesus walk away from the club if they wish to pursue other opportunities.
The arrivals of Borussia Dortmund megastar Erling Haaland and exciting prospect Julian Alvarez have given Pep Guardiola fresh options in his forward ranks, meaning exits would not be disastrous.
However, the Premier League winners want to fetch a combined £85m at least if the pair are to depart.
In other news
Spanish outlet Sport say Barcelona chiefs will meet Bayern Munich representatives this week to finalise a deal for Polish hotshot Robert Lewandowski.
Chelsea and Inter Milan have agreed on an £8.5m loan fee to allow Romelu Lukaku to return to the San Siro next term, report the Mail.
Tottenham are ready to hijack North London rivals Arsenal’s bid for Gabriel Jesus, with the Mirror suggesting Spurs boss Antonio Conte admires the £50m-rated Brazilian’s versatility.
