Aston Villa approach Chelsea over potential move for Raheem Sterling

Aston Villa have held talks over a move for Raheem Sterling, who is looking for a new challenge after being told that he has no future at Chelsea.

Sterling has not been at first-team training and the winger is keen to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window shuts next Friday.

Related: Sterling wants permanent move as Maresca continues Chelsea clearout

The winger has interest from Villa, who are hoping to add another attacker to Unai Emery’s squad, although moving the 29-year-old could be a challenge given that he has three years left on a deal worth £325,000 a week. There is a sense that Villa could be open to a loan deal if a workaround can be found on the wage packet.

Sterling, who has fallen down the pecking order after the arrivals of João Félix and Pedro Neto , has expressed a preference to leave on a permanent basis and is ready to work with the club to find a solution after being informed that he is not in Enzo Maresca’s plans. The former Manchester City forward, who joined Chelsea for £47.5m two years ago, wants to be informed of potential opportunities.

Chelsea and Villa have been in regular contact over signings this summer. Villa tried to buy Conor Gallagher, who has joined Atlético Madrid, and bought Ian Maatsen from the west London club. Chelsea signed Omari Kellyman from Villa and were interested in signing the Colombia forward Jhon Durán from Emery’s side. Discussions over Durán, who scored against West Ham last weekend, could resume if Maresca gets his wish for a new striker.

Chelsea’s top target in attack is the Napoli forward Victor Osimhen but he is not interested in leaving Napoli on loan. Representatives from Napoli have been in London to hold talks over signing the £97.5m striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea. Ipswich are waiting to complete a loan deal for Armando Broja.