Sources: Crystal Palace set to beat Leeds United to headline January transfer
Leeds United and Crystal Palace are battling it out to sign Raheem Sterling.
Sterling is wanted by Leeds and Palace in January, with Chelsea said to be happy to subsidise some of his wages to make an exit from Stamford Bridge possible.
Daniel Farke is under severe pressure of the sack with Leeds just above the relegation zone, so the 49ers Enterprises may risk it with their spending in January.
Despite that, MOT Leeds News have learned that Sterling is currently more likely to sign for Crystal Palace.
What is the reason behind Raheem Sterling’s transfer preference?
Sources with close knowledge of the finances behind a possible deal have told MOT Leeds News that Sterling would currently prefer to stay in London.
If that were to happen, Palace would be the natural next step in his career.
With the winger well-known to be on £325,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge, Leeds would need to blow their wage bill apart to seal Sterling’s signature.
Farke is under huge pressure at Leeds ahead of January, so any early plans could be derailed by his possible sacking beforehand.
- Read more: Ex-Leeds director sends one-word message to Liam Cooper after he signs for Sheffield Wednesday
The 30-year-old is yet to play any minutes this season after being exiled by Enzo Maresca, despite Pep Guardiola loving Sterling from their time working together.
Leeds United already in Crystal Palace drama
Leeds are yet to play the Eagles in the Premier League this season.
Originally pushed back to 21 December for Sky Sports, the Premier League have granted a request from Palace to move the Elland Road showdown back to 20 December.
Leeds were fine with that, with Crystal Palace playing in the Conference League on the Thursday, before going to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on 23 December.
Sterling will not be involved ahead of January anyway, but he could feature in the return fixture at Selhurst Park, which is currently scheduled for the middle of March.
All will depend on his destination after the winter window, with a headline deal in the making.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews