Dujon Sterling is set to move on a season-long loan to Stoke City, should he complete his medical today.
The 22-year-old defender started the summer training with Chelsea's first team following his 2021/22 loan with Blackpool, but he was not involved in the group that travelled to the USA and soon suffered an injury in a friendly against Borehamwood.
Sterling was forced off in the first half of that match having started the game well and has not now featured since July. The injury obviously slowed pre-season preparations and meant the likes of QPR moved onto other targets rather than wait for the Cohbam product's recovery.
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Sterling is believed to have drawn interest from a number of clubs and was only planning on leaving Stamford Bridge should the right opportunity arrive. At the start of the summer, many considered Sterling could have an opportunity to provide some cover for Reece James but Cesar Azpilicueta has since extended his deal and Ruben Loftus-Cheek has performed well in the role.
The Blues have already seen two members of their development squad head to Stoke City this summer, with Luke Badley-Morgan and Edwin Andersson completing permanent deals. There is also set to be a familiar face at the bet365 Stadium in the form of Lewis Baker, who joined the Potters in January to reignite his career. He has already netted twice this season and was appointed captain in the summer.
Stoke have recently seen Alex Neil appointed as their new manager in place of Michael O'Neill and hope to challenge for promotion back to the Premier League this season.
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