West Ham and Crystal Palace both rejected the opportunity to bring in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea before the transfer window closed, according to The Independent.

The website claims that the two London clubs “turned down the chance” to snap up the England international as they had concerns about his ability to play at the highest level.

Sterling is 29 years of age but, as he has played in the top flight since he was 17, after making his breakthrough at Liverpool, some believe that he is burnt out.

The fact that the winger (who won four Premier League titles with Manchester City) has struggled since joining Chelsea two years ago is seen as proof of that.

Arsenal won the race for Sterling

Chelsea were so determined to get rid of the forward that they were willing to offload him without a loan fee, as well as being prepared to pay the majority of his wages.

The Independent report that Manchester United were also very keen on signing Sterling but he ultimately ended up at Arsenal, joining the Gunners on a season-long loan in the final few hours of deadline day last week.

West Ham did not need another winger

Even if we disregard the club’s concerns about Sterling’s age, it’s fair to say that head coach Julen Lopetegui already has plenty of options out wide.

As well as captain Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, the Irons splashed out over £50m on Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme over the summer.

In that context, it is very understandable why technical director Tim Steidten decided to pass on Sterling. There is simply no room for another winger in the first-team squad. Whether the club will live to regret the decision, we shall have to wait and see.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here