'It's not a mess' vows Maresca after another busy day for Blues

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca (left) and the backroom staff during a training session at Cobham Training Ground. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

Raheem Sterling wants to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca, who has denied that his treatment of the winger is brutal, while the head coach could move for a new centre-back if Axel Disasi leaves a year after his move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are poised for a major clearout before the transfer window shuts next week and Sterling, who has stayed away from training since being left out against Manchester City on Sunday, is ready to work with the club towards finding a solution after slipping down the pecking order following the arrivals of Pedro Neto and João Félix.