Raheem Sterling’s transfer to Chelsea was “hijacked at the eleventh hour” by Liverpool.

Seven years after Raheem Sterling first left Anfield for Man City, Liverpool launched a bold last-minute attempt to try to hijack Chelsea’s £45 million move for the winger, according to sources.

Before Raheem Sterling decided to sign with the Blues, rumours claim that Jurgen Klopp tried to sabotage Chelsea’s transfer negotiations and lure Sterling back to Liverpool.

Sterling appears ready to leave Manchester after six years and move to Stamford Bridge instead of the Etihad. The English player had previously represented Liverpool before being persuaded by Manuel Pellegrini to join the blue half of Manchester.

The 27-year-old had plenty of alternatives because Pep Guardiola’s Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich were all keeping tabs on him. The Mirror claims that Liverpool, Sterling’s former team, was keeping an eye on the situation since it would have been a surprise if he had returned.

Prior to completing his £45 million transfer, Sterling has finally reached an agreement on personal terms with Thomas Tuchel’s team.

The Englishman apparently departed City and Guardiola on friendly terms after looking for first-team football. This season, Sterling has found himself being pushed farther and farther away from Guardiola’s side.

Sterling also wanted assurances that he will play enough games to earn a spot on Gareth Southgate’s team before the World Cup, which starts this winter.