David James has told Raheem Sterling to stay at Manchester City this summer ahead of the upcoming transfer window. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Etihad, with Chelsea and Real Madrid circling the England international's situation.
The Blues are in the market for another attacker this summer with Thomas Tuchel eager to add more firepower to his squad. And, the consortium led by Todd Boehly, who agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club last week, are expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline.
With the new ownership group keen to bolster the Blues' armoury, The Telegraph indicate that, after player sales are taken into account, Tuchel is set to have £200million at his disposal to strengthen his side. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic have all been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with the west Londoners set for a rebuild mission.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Tchouameni negotiations, Jules Kounde deal, Romelu Lukaku issue
James, former City shot-stopper, has advised Sterling against a departure from Pep Guardiola's side, though. Speaking to GGRecon, he said: "The easy answer is, stay at City! First of all you’re going to have an opportunity to win trophies. He gets the game time, as I say, with the rotation, Raheem’s one of those 24, 25 league appearance players.
"You’re going to get enough regular time in a successful side. It’s going to be a little bit congested before the World Cup but within that you’re going to get enough game time, and enough rest I would argue, to be fresher for a World Cup.
"With regards to Chelsea," James added. "I mean this is a testament to how well Raheem Sterling has done, linking him to Real Madrid and Chelsea; the two massive European champions in recent years.
"Manchester City, Chelsea, or Real Madrid wouldn’t do Raheem Sterling any harm for playing in the World Cup. You do question, given how soon the World Cup is, and what can happen with a move - like with Manchester to London, for example - there might not be the external adjustment that could affect form.
"He’s an experienced player so you would like to think that he would handle that. If there is a move and it is to Chelsea or Real Madrid, it shouldn’t be a problem for Raheem. He’s more than capable of doing the performances on the field. It’s a pat on the back for Raheem.”
Sterling, who is valued at around £59million by CIES Football Observatory, featured 30 times for City in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards 19 goals. His impressive displays have rightly courted the attention of Europe's biggest sides and, with Chelsea soon to undergo a rebuild it seems, the forward would be an excellent acquisition.
