Chelsea And Manchester City 'Accelerate' Raheem Sterling Talks With Four-Year Deal Set To Be Signed

Talks between Chelsea and Manchester City over the transfer of Raheem Sterling have 'accelerated' in recent days, according to a new report on the situation.

The England international winger has been at the centre of a long, drawn out transfer saga this summer, with clubs from across Europe speculated to be holding an interest in the player.

Sterling - who has just one year remaining on his current Manchester City contract - holds concerns over his role in Pep Guardiola's system ahead of the coming season, and could seek a new challenge this summer.

While the former Liverpool forward has often been linked with moves to Spain, and specifically Real Madrid, the player's wages and the transfer financial state of the transfer market has meant that his options have been restricted.

Nevertheless, the prospect of a return to London this summer has been long reported, and newly-bought Chelsea have placed the Manchester City forward at the very top of their transfer wishlist.

Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel is looking to reinvent his attacking line, and the 27 year-old winger would represent a marquee signing to shake-up the way the London club go forward from the start of next season.

With various updates coming in as the hours go by, a new report from the Daily Mail has offered a significant development, detailing transfer fees and Sterling's potential new Chelsea contract.

According to the Mail's Craig Hope, talks between Chelsea and Manchester City have 'accelerated significantly' in recent days.

It is stated that there is now 'growing confidence' that a deal can be struck between the relevant parties, and that a final agreement is now 'edging closer'.

In regards to transfer fee, the report states that the feeling is that £45 million will be the mark that will be struck, while the player will pen a four-year deal with the former Champions League holders.

While there have been calls from some corners of the Manchester City support base for the club to seek a replacement for Sterling this summer, this remains unlikely.

Etihad officials are expected to prioritise the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion's Marc Cucurella following the completion of Kalvin Phillips in the coming days.

Additionally, a new central defender may also become a high priority for the club's key decision makers.

Fourth choice centre-back Nathan Ake is reportedly open to the idea of a move away from the Etihad Stadium, with Chelsea known to be keen on the player.

However, not only will City be wanting a transfer fee in excess of £50 million, but they would also want to be sure that they could find the necessary replacement for a player that was crucial in parts of last season.

From a goal-line clearance at the Emirates Stadium on the turn of the year, to his exemplary role at left-back in the Champions League knock-out stages, the Dutchman has come on leaps and bounds from his first season after making the move from AFC Bournemouth.