Raheem Sterling's preference now revealed after West Ham 'made checks' on Chelsea ace

West Ham are considering a move for wantaway Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling in the closing days of the transfer window.

West Ham decision-makers at The London Stadium are keeping tabs on Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal.

West Ham have been advised against signing the 30-year-old, however, with Chelsea reportedly looking to recoup nearly half of the £47.5million they paid to sign the winger from Manchester City.

Sterling could ultimately cost the Hammers over £70m, with the former England international earning more than £325,000 per week on his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling prefers next move to stay in London

If West Ham were to sign Sterling, David Sullivan would undoubtedly be accused of taking the cheaper option yet again.

Whilst Chelsea have set their demands already for the 30-year-old, decision-makers at Stamford Bridge will be aware that such numbers are unrealistic and may well drop them before the window closes.

Sterling could even agree to terminate his contract at the West London club, allowing him to join another club on a free transfer.

Raheem Sterling:

• Joined Chelsea in 2022 in a deal worth around £47.5m.
• Has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances for the Blues.

West Ham have already signed two free transfers this summer, in Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson.

Talk of struggles against the Profit and Sustainability Rules does appear to have some merit, but fans are sceptical after Mohammed Kudus was sold to Tottenham in a deal worth around £55m.

If the Hammers do decide to make a move for Sterling, they would appear to have the advantage over clubs based outside of London.

Ben Jacobs reported on 21 August that the winger would prefer to stay in the capital, and that talks have already taken place with Fulham.

Chelsea are yet to receive a formal bid for the 30-year-old, but West Ham and Crystal Palace have made checks on a potential move.

• Read more: Raheem Sterling to West Ham makes total sense after what Graham Potter’s had to say

Raheem Sterling would add to summer calamity for West Ham

There was some excitement about Sterling when he arrived at Arsenal on deadline day last summer.

The winger vowed that "you're about to see the best of me", but ultimately left very little impression with The Gunners.

Sterling was a superb player in his day, perhaps among the Premier League's most underrated. But that day is in the past.

He would very quickly become an expensive problem at West Ham, and signing him would be the latest calamity in what is rapidly becoming a disastrous summer for Sullivan.

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