Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling is reportedly keen to hold showdown talks with the club's board before making a decision over his future.
Having played some part of each of the club's six pre-season friendlies, the expectation was that the 29-year-old would be selected in the squad for Sunday's Premier League fixture with Manchester City on Sunday.
However, Sterling was a shock omission from Enzo Maresca's first team selection, his representatives almost immediately releasing a pre-planned statement to address the situation.
They requested "clarity" over the decision made by the new head coach, despite several reports suggesting that Sterling was informed on Friday.
Maresca has since described the scenario as "a technical decision", acknowledging that he is not in a position to name every player in his squad.
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Sterling to take time for reflection?
With two other wingers in Noni Madueke and Mykhaylo Mudryk - who were named among the replacements against City - also not making it onto the pitch, Sterling faces the prospect of being left out in the cold.
Nevertheless, according to Sky Sports News journalist Kaveh Solhekol, there is no guarantee that the England international will choose to leave the club.
Solhekol, who was commenting on X, says that Sterling is prepared to consider all possible options courtesy of being settled with his family in London.
Sterling will only be open to a switch if it suits all concerned, with that plausibly being difficult to achieve given that few clubs have been credited with an interest in his signature.
There is the expectation that "direct dialogue" will now be held between the relevant parties, with Chelsea happy to part ways with Sterling who has three years left on his contract.
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What are Sterling's options?
If Sterling were to stay at Chelsea, he may be provided with regular game time in the Europa Conference League, providing the club progress past Servette in the playoff round.
Juventus have been linked with an approach, yet it remains to be seen whether the Italian giants would be able to meet Chelsea's terms and if Sterling would be interested in a stint in Serie A.
Unless Sterling moves to a team such as West Ham United, Fulham, Brentford or Crystal Palace, staying in London with another club looks highly unlikely.
A switch to the Saudi Pro League could stay on the table, although it has never been suggested that Sterling would be willing to relocate to the Middle East.
Darren Plant
