Thomas Tuchel has been warned that Sadio Mane's uncertain future at Liverpool could spell bad news for Chelsea amid the west Londoners' Raheem Sterling pursuit. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid and Arsenal said to be interested in the forward's services as well.
Chelsea are in the market for another attacker this summer with the German boss eager to bolster his strike force. As a result, the consortium led by Todd Boehly, who agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club last month, are expected to 'push for a-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline.
Sterling, who certainly constitutes an 'a-list' arrival, is valued at around £59million by CIES Football Observatory. And, according to the Telegraph, after player sales are taken into account, Tuchel is set to have £200million at his disposal to strengthen his side this summer.
READ MORE: Raheem Sterling sent £59m Chelsea message as Todd Boehly eyes dream Thomas Tuchel transfer gift
However, should Chelsea be serious about signing a player of the England international's pedigree from Manchester City, the club must fend off interest from Liverpool. According to Trevor Sinclair via talkSPORT, Jurgen Klopp's side would 'welcome' Sterling back to Anfield amid Mane's uncertain future.
"I think they’d have him," the former City striker said. "I think Liverpool fans would have him back because they’ve seen what he’s won at Manchester City and the way that he’s conducted himself.
"Obviously it was not the greatest way to leave the football club and there was a lot of animosity between the club, the fans and Raheem. But whether Raheem goes back there?
"He might be a little bit scared by the way he was treated when he left. But I think Liverpool would have him."
Sterling featured 30 times for Pep Guardiola's side in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards 19 goals. The Englishman's 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.
Speaking to football.london of a rebuild, Tuchel said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
