Chelsea now 'likely' to agree £60m deal 'next week' at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea could move a step closer to welcoming Raheem Sterling to Stamford Bridge by agreeing a deal with Manchester City within the next week, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

A £4.25billion takeover led by Todd Boehly has given head coach Thomas Tuchel the opportunity to splash the cash and, having already allowed Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter Milan on loan, he is eager to improve his attacking options.

Chelsea are understood to be growing in confidence that they will succeed in their pursuit of Sterling before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

With Sterling’s £300,000-per-week contract having less than 12 months to run, Manchester City are open to sanctioning the winger’s departure for a cut-price fee.

Chelsea have already approached the reigning Premier League champions after looking to up the ante ahead of the upcoming campaign getting underway next month.

According to The Telegraph, the west Londoners are preparing an opening bid and Tuchel has already held discussions with Sterling.

The report suggests Manchester City value the 77-cap England international at between £50million and £60million, while Pep Guardiola has admitted he will not stand in the way if Sterling wants to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Jacobs understands Sterling is interested in swapping Manchester City for Chelsea and, as a result, the Blues are in a promising position.

The journalist expects the 27-year-old to join Tuchel’s charges and the clubs to reach an agreement in the coming days.

Raheem Sterling to Chelsea is ON! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “Sterling’s position had always been that he will decide his future over the summer.

“It’s moved on a little bit now and Sterling is definitely open