O'Rourke: Leeds make Raheem Sterling transfer decision

Leeds are not set to pursue a move for free agent Raheem Sterling despite previous interest in his services while he was a Chelsea player.

Sterling agreed to be released from his Chelsea contract earlier this week after a tough three-and-a-half years at the club following a 2022 move from Man City.

He was a regular starter in his first two campaigns at Stamford Bridge, with 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 games, but was sent out on loan to Arsenal ahead of last season after being told he was not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Sterling struggled to make an impact in North London, with just one goal in 28 games, and he returned to Chelsea last summer to form part of their ‘bomb squad’ of players who were to train away from the first-team.

He failed to make an appearance for the Blues this term, prior to his release, and will not be joining Leeds anytime soon, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast.

Leeds were interested in Sterling but are focusing on a new striker rather than a winger

Sources told Football Insider last month that Leeds were eyeing a move for Sterling ahead of a possible Chelsea exit in January.

He has now departed the club by mutual consent, with Napoli making an approach to Sterling ahead of a possible contract offer, but the Whites will not be doing as such to try to add him to their squad.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think I would be surprised if Leeds were to pursue a move for Raheem Sterling.

“There was interest there before, but they’ve brought in Facundo Buonanotte already in this window.

“I think Leeds are more looking at a striker rather than another winger right now if they are to make any further additions to the squad at Elland Road.“

Leeds will not be letting Joel Piroe leave amid Rangers rumours

Piroe has struggled for opportunities at Leeds this season despite firing them to the Premier League last term as he won the Championship golden boot with 19 league goals.

Reports emerged last week claiming that Celtic were targeting a move for Piroe, but their approach was shrugged off due to Leeds’ shared ownership with arch-rivals Rangers.

Rangers have been linked with a swoop for the Dutchman this month too, but Football Insider have revealed that Leeds have no plans to let Piroe leave before next Monday’s deadline.

They remain in the market for a new striker to add competition to Daniel Farke’s ranks for the remainder of the season, but Piroe wants to stay and fight for minutes rather than go out on loan.

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