Enzo Maresca hints at potential Jadon Sancho transfer and issues stern warning to Raheem Sterling

Enzo Maresca has expressed his desire for Chelsea to pursue Jadon Sancho from Manchester United and has delivered a stern message to Raheem Sterling.

The Blues and the Red Devils are locked in negotiations over the two players, and there is a high chance Sancho could be swapping Manchester for west London.

That would open the door for Sterling to move across to United in the other direction and Chelsea head coach Maresca has now provided a fresh update.

The Italian faced the media on Wednesday and confirmed that Sterling is not in his plans, while he has also lauded Sancho and says he knows him ‘very well’.

‘I said already many times, he is a fantastic person,’ Maresca said when quizzed about Sterling. ‘The only thing is that every manager has a different idea.

‘He is not the type of winger I like. That says nothing about Raheem. The history and the numbers speak for Raheem.’

Asked about Chelsea’s transfer interest in Sancho, Maresca added: ‘If we can sign a player that can help us, for sure I would do it. Jadon is not our player. I know him very well. But he is not our player.’

Maresca also faced questions about Chelsea’s reported interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and says he has not spoken to current forward Nicolas Jackson.

‘I didn’t speak to Nicolas about this,’ Maresca said. ‘I had a meeting with Nicolas yesterday but just about the amount of good things he is doing with us.

‘I don’t think Nicolas needs a chat. He is our nine, our striker in this moment. We are very happy with him.’

Rio Ferdinand has backed United’s move for Chelsea outcast Sterling – but warns his arrival could leave Antony and Amad Diallo fearing for their futures.

‘For Man United, I think Sterling would be a good addition if he did come,’ Ferdinand said. ‘What that does for someone like Antony I don’t know, he probably goes to fifth choice if someone like Sterling comes.

‘Amad has been playing recently, I think he’ll be sitting there looking over his shoulder thinking please don’t come. But competition is good, it’s healthy and at a club like Man United it is vital to help keep pushing the team on.’