Crystal Palace’s agreement with Tottenham over Brennan Johnson could effectively rule out a move for Raheem Sterling.
That is according to former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has also underlined the significant wage reduction Sterling would need to accept to secure a move to Crystal Palace.
Chelsea are keen to move Sterling on after he has failed to feature for the Blues this season, following Enzo Maresca’s decision not to include the 31-year-old in his plans.
Crystal Palace had been mentioned as possible suitors for Sterling, but the Eagles have already struck a £35million agreement with Spurs for Johnson.
Raheem Sterling set for ‘drastic wage cut’ to agree Crystal Palace deal:
Ex-Everton chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now operates a football consultancy advising elite clubs – does not believe Sterling would be inclined to join Palace should Johnson arrive at Selhurst Park.
Speaking on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested Fulham could yet revive their interest in Sterling.
He told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast: “Look, Raheem, could he go somewhere? The noise has been that he would only stay in London, but I’m hearing that Palace have just signed Brendan Johnson today. So that deal’s done to come from Spurs.
“Would Raheem come in on the wing and work with him in some way? I don’t know if that really would be the right solution, but Palace would seem to be one of the options there. Fulham had a good look, but have said no, will they come back?
“I think those are the two London clubs with any opportunity to try and do something, but it would have to be drastic wage cuts for him. There wouldn’t be a fee, I’m sure he’d go for free. Chelsea just want to get him off the wage bill.
“It all lies in his court right now. If he’s prepared to drop from 300 grand a week down to probably 50 grand a week basic with bonuses. That’s a sort of level I think he could get some game time again. But he may just decide to sit out his contract and feel that he’s done enough in the game, which under contracts you’re allowed to do that.
“So if he really is a man possessed as we’ve been led to believe, then he should be prepared to get back in the game, and get himself back up there. But as I say, I’m taking the media reports on this one with a pinch of salt.”
Crystal Palace suffer injury blow:
Crystal Palace are actively searching for a new striker amid uncertainty surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future.
Oliver Glasner has also been dealt a setback with Eddie Nketiah sidelined through a hamstring injury that could rule him out of Palace’s next eight matches.
The Eagles are already without Ismaila Sarr due to the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Glasner stretched for attacking options.