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Where next for Raheem Sterling after his Stamford Bridge exit
Amid all the rumours and speculation flying around in the last week of the January transfer window, one of the most notable stories has centred around Raheem Sterling.
The former England international this week had his contracted mutually terminated by Chelsea and is now on the lookout for a new challenge following his Stamford Bridge exit.
After three years in West London, Sterling had been frozen out of the first-team squad by Enzo Maresca, but instead of a fresh start under Liam Rosenior, the player and club have agreed to part ways, leaving the question of where next for the 31-year-old?
On offer, you have a four-time Premier League winner, a player with 82 caps for his country, and a fully paid-up member of the Premier League's 100 club - despite not being an archetypal striker.
Yes, the forward, who made his breakthrough as a 17-year-old, is past his peak, but when fit, will still have a lot to offer, especially given his big-game experience.
DAZN News' Ash Rose assesses the options for one of England's most undervalued stars.
Staying at home
For most of the season, Sterling has been linked with possible short-term moves to Premier League clubs in the capital.
It was a deal that made sense, given that the player has children settled in the area, and he could continue his football without too much upheaval, much like his spell with Arsenal last season.
Fulham had been heavily linked with Raheem, a move that would mean he would stay in West London and at a club that has recently rejuvenated the careers of names such as Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez.
Yet, the noises from Sterling's camp suggest he was never keen on a loan move, even down the road. There's a belief he wants something more permanent, so if he does have to uproot his family, it's for a longer haul than just a season.
James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
So where does that leave him? Fulham could still be a comfortable option, free of any relegation scrap and under Marco Silva, it feels like a team Sterling could work his way into and enjoy.
Crystal Palace have some cash to spend following the departure of Marc Guehi and are in dire need of some reinforcements for a squad that's been stretched this season with a European campaign. A move for Sterling would be low risk for the Eagles, but could be just the impetus the club needs right now.
However, with the path clear for a permanent move, it doesn't rule out somewhere outside of London. Opening up the possibility for an intriguing move to Leeds or Everton, where his nous would be hugely valued.
European adventure
For all that Sterling has done in the game, a quick look at his CV will tell you it's missing very little; perhaps the only omission is the experience of playing in another country.
One of the clubs that was previously linked with the player in this window is Italian champions Napoli, opening up the chance to move to Serie A for the forward.
Italy's top flight is currently the home to several British players, more than ever before, all at different stages of their careers, and it would surely present an interesting challenge away from the Premier League glare.
With the game naturally slower in Serie A, Sterling's explosive speed and skill would be a welcome addition to a Napoli team who have been ravaged by injuries this season and are struggling to defend the Scudetto they won last year.
If logistically for his family it's a move that appeals, then experiencing a new life and culture at a club that already boasts Brits Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour could be a real tempting package.
And, if Napoli are given a green light, does that spark interest from other clubs across the continent? Getty
The MLS route
Given Sterling's next decision has family as a massive part of it, a move to a league in Saudi Arabia or Australia seems unlikely given such a change, but it maybe doesn't rule out the MLS.
Players of his standing are naturally linked to a move Stateside, as a gentler way of a footballing life, away from the hustle and bustle of European top-flight football.
Over the years, we've seen several names enjoy a swansong in the States, from the likes of Steve Gerrard and Frank Lampard to Gareth Bale and, most recently Son Heung-Min.
At 31, Sterling may well be on the younger side for such a move, but a lot of football has been played in those legs from a very young age - both domestically and internationally - so the MLS could suit his body at this time in his career.
And as for the lifestyle, well, it's take your pick of a host from a smorgasbord of American cities, all of which would present a tempting transition for team Sterling.
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