Raheem Sterling has reportedly made a decision over what it would take to accept an exit from Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window.
Prior to the start of the season, the winger appeared to be in the plans of Enzo Maresca and was expected to feature in the squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester City.
However, it has since emerged that Sterling has been informed that he has no future at Stamford Bridge, leading to him being exiled from training with the first-team squad.
Although Sterling initially wanted to fight for his place with the West Londoners, there is now an acceptance that he will need to find a new club in order to ensure that his career is not brought to a halt.
There are a range of stumbling blocks, including the fact that the England international still has three years left on one of the most lucrative contracts at the club.
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Sterling ready to reach a compromise>
Nevertheless, it has been suggested that Sterling is willing to hold discussions which all parties will hope leads to a compromise.
According to The Sun, Sterling is open to discussing a severance package regarding his contract rather than expecting his current income to paid in full.
Sterling is said to be on a contract worth £325,000 per week, the likelihood being that no clubs in the Premier League will be willing to take on such a figure for one player.
As a result, Chelsea are theoretically backed into a corner given that they will also wish to generate a sizeable fee for Sterling, whether that be through a permanent exit or a loan switch.
The report reiterates that Sterling's preference is to remain in English football, rather than entertaining a transfer to Italy or the Middle East.
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Which clubs could be interested?
Reports have indicated that a swap deal involving Sterling and Manchester United's Jadon Sancho should not be ruled out at this stage, as well as Sterling being open to a move to the neighbours of former club Manchester City.
Aston Villa have allegedly ruled themselves out of the race due to the cost, but Crystal Palace have been suggested as a possible destination.
Other teams could plausibly come into the mix in due course, albeit more likely with a loan approach courtesy of the transfer window closing on Friday.
Darren Plant
