Chelsea would have to pay around £55m to land the England international

• Chelsea have been linked with a move for Raheem Sterling in recent weeks
• They have now made contact with Manchester City in a bid to sign the winger 
• Chelsea would have to pay around £55m to land the England international
• Signing Sterling would be a big statement for Chelsea’s co-owner Todd Boehly
• The Blues are hopeful that they can agree a deal with City later this week 

Chelsea have formally approached Manchester City to finalise the marquee signing of Raheem Sterling.

Sportsmail understands Todd Boehly made contact with the Premier League champions on Monday with a view to wrapping up a deal over the coming week.

Sterling has already held positive discussions with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel over how he would be utilised at Stamford Bridge, with that conversation solidifying the 27-year-old’s desire to leave the Etihad Stadium.

City are allowing Gabriel Jesus to make the move to Arsenal for an initial £45million and Sterling’s valuation is believed to be north of that figure and could be around £55m.

A formal bid is expected in the coming days as City’s squad reshuffle continues after a fourth title in five years. Chelsea still need to thrash out personal terms with the England international, who is in the final 12 months of his £300,000-a-week contract.

It is believed that Sterling’s wish to end a stellar seven-year stay at City was discussed with club executives at the beginning of the month. City have afforded the forward time to assess his options, with a likely exit handled amicably.

The arrival of Sterling would represent a major statement for Boehly and offer Tuchel more firepower in attacking areas ahead of the new season, with Romelu Lukaku re-joining Inter Milan on loan.

Along with his ability, Tuchel is believed to value the experience and leadership qualities Sterling could bring to his Chelsea squad.

The departure of Antonio Rudiger have seen Chelsea take a hit in that department and captain Cesar Azpilicueta could follow too.

An opening bid is thought to be imminent with some sources, optimistic about the deal, believing that all three parties are open to closing a move