Bookmakers have begun to drift out the odds of Raheem Sterling making a move before Monday ends.
Both Fulham and West Ham were priced up at 6/4 to rescue the former Liverpool and Manchester City attacker this transfer window.
However, Fulham and West Ham are now as big as 11/4 and 7/2 respectively as Sterling weighs up his options.
After a staggering 100-game exile from the Chelsea matchday squad, the 31-year-old winger finally tore up his Chelsea contract.
The former England international is now free to move wherever, but high wages and a lumpy sign-on fee are expected.
The Betting Favourites: A Battle for London
Market sentiment had suggested Sterling was desperate to remain in the capital, which placed two clubs in a dead heat at the top of the betting boards.
Relegation-threatened West Ham are renowned for giving players in the twilight of their careers a chance to play at the highest level.
But they are now as big as 7/2 to sign Sterling before the window slams shut.
West Ham have also opened transfer talks with fellow Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi and the race for a defender is far more pressing.
Fulham sit slightly more comfortably up the table and their close proximity to Chelsea means Sterling wouldn’t even need to move home.
But they too have drifted, while Tottenham and Crystal Palace are 11/2 and 13/2.
Why Fulham Could Be Sterling’s Choice
Fulham manager Marco Silva has a proven track record of revitalising high-profile veterans (think Willian and Raul Jimenez), and the proximity to Stamford Bridge makes it a seamless transition for Sterling’s family.
His Chelsea contract termination allows Fulham to offer a more sustainable wage structure while giving Sterling a significant signing-on fee.
West Ham and the “London Preference”
West Ham prioritised a move for Adama Traore and the Hammers duly got their man.
They look unlikely to peruse Sterling now as the need for proven defenders continues to rise due to their alarming inability to stop leaking goals.
