Tottenham Hotspur have been named among eight teams weighing up a move for Raheem Sterling after his exit from Chelsea, according to reports. The same sources say a further seven clubs are evaluating a switch for the 31-year-old winger, with Napoli and Juventus explicitly mentioned among the suitors.

Chelsea’s wage bill was a primary obstacle to a conventional transfer. Sterling was earning around £325,000 ($446,000) per week at Stamford Bridge and has not featured in competitive action since returning from an underwhelming loan with Arsenal last season. Those factors prompted concern over the financial viability of any transfer.

Having now accepted a pay-off from Chelsea, the terms of which have not been disclosed, Sterling is reportedly in a position to lower his demands. It is believed he is prepared to do exactly that and would not even seek a six-figure salary from his next employer, accepting a cut of more than two thirds to secure playing opportunities.

Such a reduction will make Sterling affordable to a wider range of clubs. Though it has been some time since he was at the peak of his powers, the player remains a seasoned professional. At 31, and four appearances shy of 400 in the Premier League, he still carries the experience and capability to contribute at a high level.

Any club interested will weigh Sterling’s recent lack of competitive minutes and his previous salary against his experience and potential upside. The reported willingness to accept a substantially lower wage changes the dynamics of the market for him and explains why multiple teams, including Tottenham, Napoli and Juventus, are now said to be considering a move.

Manchester City confirmed Pep Guardiola did not take the prematch press conference ahead of Sunday’s fixture with Tottenham Hotspur because of a “personal reason.” The manager had been present and upbeat during a midweek debrief, where he said he would call José Mourinho to thank him for defeating Real Madrid with Benfica and securing City’s passage to the round of 16.

On Thursday evening Guardiola spoke at a charity concert in Barcelona, describing his remarks as “a statement for Palestine and … a statement for humanity” and addressing the audience with: “Good evening, salam alaikum, how wonderful,” before speaking of children caught in the conflict: “When I see a child in these past two years with these images on social media, on television, recording himself, pleading, ‘Where is my mother?’ among the rubble and he still doesn’t know it. ]”

Assistant coach John Lijnders confirmed that Guardiola “will arrive back here in Manchester” on Friday, allowing time for travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the Sunday game.

Tottenham’s ground has been a difficult venue for Guardiola. City’s trips to N17 have followed a recurring pattern: sustained pressure from City met by Spurs’ resilience and swift, clinical transitions. City failed to score with their first 101 shots at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until Nathan Aké bundled one in the 88th minute of the 2024 FA Cup fourth round tie between the clubs.

Across nine matches in N17, City have faced five managers, recorded three wins, zero draws and six defeats, scored three goals and registered 137 shots. Recent visits have brought slightly better returns, but Thomas Frank’s current Tottenham have already beaten the Sky Blues this season. Guardiola has reflected on the difficulty at the venue more than once: “Many times it happened we played really good, many, many times, we were not able to score and win the games.”

Andy Robertson’s future at Liverpool has moved from a summer question to an urgent January consideration as Tottenham Hotspur pursue an immediate deal worth up to £5 million.

The left back, now entering his ninth year with Liverpool, admitted he may have to make a difficult decision when his contract expires in the summer, but those conversations look to have been accelerated by interest in the January window.

Robertson has been vocal about his desire for regular football. “I’m a player who wants to play,” he said recently. “I’ve played through injuries. I’ve played when I’m not 100% fit. I’ve played when I’m only 50, 40, 30% fit for this club and my country. I always want to be on the grass and playing and obviously now that’s not happening, so that’s what is different.” His motivation is twofold: short-term minutes and arriving at the World Cup for Scotland at peak fitness.

Last season’s switch to manager Arne Slot did not go smoothly for Robertson and he lost his starting place to summer signing Milos Kerkez, a £40 million acquisition from Bournemouth. Kerkez, recently 22, contrasts with Robertson, who is approaching being 10 years his senior, and that age gap has influenced perceptions of the left back pecking order.

Atlético Madrid made an approach last summer that Robertson declined as he chose to fight for his place. He now appears closer to accepting that opportunities at Anfield may be limited. Liverpool officials retain a strong bond with the player and any departure would be considered only if it suits both parties. The club are also preparing to replace his likely exit.

Spurs could offer Robertson prestige and playing chances, but competition for minutes would be intense. Under Thomas Frank the left side has been occupied by Djed Spence, himself filling in for Destiny Udogie, who has suffered two injuries this season. Ben Davies has recently suffered a nasty injury and new signing Souza is seen as a long-term project, meaning Robertson would likely be ahead of those two. The key question is whether Frank would prioritise Robertson over the development of Udogie, particularly when a three-man defence and wingback role was deployed against Burnley.

Any January move would be a clear gamble on regular football and fitness ahead of the World Cup.