Stunning report reveals Sterling was keen for Liverpool return before Chelsea move

Raheem Sterling was open to a Liverpool return before moving to Chelsea, according to a fresh report.

The England international has had a mixed time since switching Manchester City for Chelsea in a £48million transfer last summer.

In his 22 appearances for the Blues in all competitions Sterling has scored just six goals and provided a further two assists.

However, a fresh report has claimed the 28-year-old had hoped for a Liverpool return before moving to west London. The winger started his senior career at Anfield, earning his debut under Kenny Dalglish in 2011.

He went on to play 129 times for the Merseyside club, featuring as part of a lethal front line that also included Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

Sterling wanted Liverpool return

According to the Athletic Sterling wanted to return to Liverpool last summer, the club he left in a controversial £49million transfer in 2015.

Sterling was dead set on leaving Pep Guardiola’s side, given his lack of game time and if Chelsea hadn’t made their move there’s a good chance he’d still be at City, unhappy.

While the player was open to returning to Merseyside, Jurgen Klopp’s side were reportedly not interested.

Meanwhile, though there was speculation the England man could move to the Spanish giants and Paris Saint-Germain, the Athletic claim this was never on the cards.

In turn, Chelsea was Sterling’s only option.

Of course, if Klopp knew then what he does know, he might have signed the attacker. Liverpool are having as dismal a season as Chelsea, currently languishing in ninth place in the Premier League, some 21 points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.

Their campaign has been hampered by an injury crisis with wingers Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota out for an extended period.