Man City and Chelsea 'hopeful' of striking Raheem Sterling deal and more transfer rumours

Manchester City and Chelsea are hopeful of striking a deal for Raheem Sterling to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to reports. The England international is being heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad, having been touted for a departure at various points over the past year or so.

Sterling himself suggested he would be open to leaving City last season and Chelsea look to be leading the way for his signature. Thomas Tuchel's side are being linked with a multitude of players following Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club.

Various reports have suggested they have agreed a fee with Leeds United over the transfer of Raphinha, although personal terms still need to be agreed. That could though enable them to turn their attentions towards Sterling.

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Football.London claim Chelsea were expected to launch an official offer to City for the 27-year-old on Tuesday. The report also suggests both clubs are hopeful of reaching a deal before the end of the transfer window.

Elsewhere, City youngster Romeo Lavia is being linked with a move to Southampton. The Daily Mail suggest the highly-rated 18-year-old is said to be in talks over a £10million move to the Saints this summer.

Lavia has been linked with a host of clubs this month, with Leeds having also been touted as a possible destination. City were said to be reluctant to let the Belgian leave, but a buy-back and sell-on clause would be inserted in the teenager’s contract to soften the blow.

Though Lavia is yet to make a Premier League appearance for City, the midfielder did make appearances in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, and was regularly included in Pep Guardiola’s