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Thomas Tuchel makes contact with Raheem Sterling ahead of Chelsea bid for City forward

 Raheem Sterling of Manchester City looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2022 in London, England - Thomas Tuchel makes contact with Raheem Sterling ahead of Chelsea bid - GETTY IMAGES
Raheem Sterling of Manchester City looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on April 16, 2022 in London, England - Thomas Tuchel makes contact with Raheem Sterling ahead of Chelsea bid - GETTY IMAGES

Thomas Tuchel has made contact with Raheem Sterling ahead of Chelsea making a bid for the Manchester City forward.

Sterling has emerged as one of head coach Thomas Tuchel’s top attacking targets and the German has made a check on the England international’s plans.

As revealed by Telegraph Sport, Europe’s biggest clubs believe Sterling is ready to leave City this summer with one year remaining on his contract, although the 27-year-old is yet to publicly communicate his intention.

Real Madrid and Barcelona also hold an interest in Sterling, but it is believed the former Liverpool star would be open to a move to Chelsea if he can be confident of playing regular first-team football and challenging for trophies.

Sources believe Chelsea are now preparing an opening bid for Sterling, who City value at between £50million and £60m.

Tuchel has been promised as many as six new signings by Chelsea’s Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership and the club are also making a move for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, which could include trying to send Timo Werner in the opposite direction.

Reports from Italy have claimed that De Ligt does not want to sign a new contract with Juventus and is ready to move to the Premier League, but sources close to the Dutchman insist there is no conflict between the player and the Italian club.

Boehly, who is Chelsea’s chairman and acting sporting director, is understood to have explored the possibility of offering a number of the club’s unwanted players as part of bids for Tuchel’s transfer targets.

As well as Werner, doubts remain over the futures of Hakim Ziyech, who has been linked with AC Milan, and Christian Pulisic.

Chelsea have agreed a deal for Romelu Lukaku to move back to Inter Milan on loan, but senior sources have told Telegraph Sport that the club may not sign a like-for-like replacement.

Other than Sterling, Chelsea have shown an interest in Ousmane Dembele, who is yet to sign a new Barcelona contract, and Everton’s Richarlison. Everton are interested in midfielders Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour.