Raheem Sterling suffers jersey number humiliation as Chelsea transfer push turns sour

Raheem Sterling has suffered the humiliation of having his squad number given away as a potential exit from Stamford Bridge turns sour.

The ex-Manchester City ace is in a tight spot in west London, having been a prominent figure in pre-season only to be omitted from Enzo Maresca's matchday squad for the recent game against his old team. Sterling's representatives were quick to release a statement seeking "clarity" following his omission.

However, Sterling's predicament at Chelsea has only deteriorated. Maresca has publicly confirmed he is not in his plans, and Chelsea has now confirmed that their new signing Pedro Neto will take over the number 7 shirt Sterling has worn since he joined the club.

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When quizzed about Sterling and Ben Chilwell's prospects at a press conference, Maresca said: "In this moment, they are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear. There is not any update on their situations.

"No, because they are Chelsea players. Until they are Chelsea players, they want to be Chelsea players. We have a big squad and it is impossible to give them all minutes."

Maresca concluded with a stark choice for the players: "If they are looking for minutes, then it is better if they leave. If they do not leave, then they have a contract here and they are Chelsea player.

"I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers. This is the reason why.

"I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I don't see Raheem after the game.

"He is training apart as I said, but in case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don't have thing new to tell him because I was quite clear."

Squad numbers for new arrivals have generated interest, with Joao Felix taking the number 14 jersey upon his return from Atletico Madrid, marking his move permanent, while Conor Gallagher departs in a swap deal.