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Topics: Chelsea, Raheem Sterling
Josh Lawless
Chelsea's insistence on offloading Raheem Sterling could be linked to a detail in the winger's contract.
Sterling was left out of Enzo Maresca's first matchday squad against Manchester City in what was described as a "technical decision".
Sterling's camp published a controversial statement asking for clarity on the situation but Maresca stated it would be best for him to leave in search of regular game-time.
The 29-year-old has had his No.7 shirt taken off him and given to new signing Pedro Neto, who had debuted with the No.19 against City.
As well as being omitted from their Conference League squad list, Sterling has also been axed from first-team proceedings and instead made to train separately with a different group which includes the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell.
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A first major signing under Chelsea's much-maligned owners, Sterling is surplus to requirements and wants a permanent move.
According to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports, Sterling does not have a clause in his deal where his salary is reduced if Chelsea do not qualify for the Champions League.
Sterling is believed to earn around £300,000-a-week on his deal, which runs for another three years.
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Chelsea have not been in Europe's premier club competition since the 2022/23 season and it's believed other players do have clauses which lowers their pay packet.
Sterling is not attracted to the idea of moving to Saudi Arabia and would prefer to remain in the Premier League, with his family still settled in England.
He still harbours of hopes of returning the England national team, where he has scored 20 times in 82 appearances.
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Champions League side Aston Villa have emerged as a surprise potential destination for Sterling as they hunt for a replacement for Moussa Diaby.
He would almost definitely have to take a substantial pay packet but at present regular football would be his priority.