Chelsea Transfer Rumours and News Tracker: Week of October 20

The transfer window has closed, but that doesn't mean speculation surrounding potential signings will end.

If anything, it's going to intensify ahead of January, building to a crescendo when the window eventually reopens in the new year.

Chelsea are among the clubs already being linked with high-profile moves for some of Europe's finest talent.

As always, Bleacher Report will keep you up to date with the latest breaking news on the ins and outs at Stamford Bridge.

Stay tuned to keep on top of all the rumours surrounding your club.

 

Last update: Monday, Oct. 20

Chelsea "Turned Down" £500,000 Raheem Sterling in 2012

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

He's now an England international and regarded among the world's finest young players, but just over two years ago not much was known about Raheem Sterling when he joined Liverpool.

Sterling was among the stars of QPR's academy team, but reservations over his character meant the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal overlooked him, according to the Express.

"Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, they all knew about Raheem. But their attitude was: 'Too small, too much baggage'," QPR youth coach Kevin Gallen told the newspaper this week.

It meant Liverpool were in pole position for his signature, wasting no time in snapping him up for just £500,000.

That fee could rise to £5 million depending on appearances, but even still, it's a bargain for a player who has become a vital part of Brendan Rodgers' team.

Earlier this month, the Daily Star reported Chelsea were interested in making a £48 million bid for the player.

Manchester United Set to Win Race for Sami Khedira

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Chelsea could be set to lose the race for Sami Khedira with Manchester United rumoured to be preparing a considerable offer for the German midfielder.

Last week it was reported by Anthony Chapman of the Express that Chelsea could use Petr Cech as a makeweight in beating Arsenal to his signature but now Bruce Archer of the Daily Star has suggested United will offer him £150,000 per week to bring him to Old Trafford.

Khedira will also be the main man in the Manchester United midfield, while at Chelsea he will be forced to compete with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic.