Chelsea Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Plan Hatched Amid Oscar Exit Rumours

A remarkable story from David Woods of the Daily Star suggests Chelsea are ready to sell Oscar and Juan Cuadrado to fund a move for Liverpool's Raheem Sterling.

The Blues cantered toward the Premier League title this season, but they need to make squad improvements to challenge for the Champions League. Sterling will tell Liverpool he wants to leave, as reported by Ben Smith of BBC Sport, a revelation that will make him one of the most sought-after youngsters in this summer's transfer window.

It seems highly unlikely Mourinho would dismiss Oscar and Cuadrado to land the 20-year-old, however. Earlier this month, the manager suggested the former can become as vital to Chelsea's chances of success as Eden Hazard, as seen in the MailOnline's video:

Despite something of a subdued campaign, Oscar has still remained productive. The versatile midfielder has six goals and eight assists in 28 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com. His work rate has improved under Mourinho, but there's no denying he has been less explosive on the ball for much of the year. At 23 years old, Oscar still has plenty of time to develop into a leader for the Blues.

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It also seems unlikely Mourinho would want to cash-in on Cuadrado, who he signed just four months ago. Granted, the Colombian has struggled to make a positive impression, but he's still working through an adjustment phase. He was never going to be more than a bit-part player in the run to this campaign's conclusion, particularly with Hazard and Willian providing tremendous balance on the flanks.

Similar to his thoughts on Oscar, Mourinho expects Cuadrado to show his worth for Chelsea next season. He suggested the versatile winger may need extra rest after the Copa America but confirms everyone is willing to give him time to find his form, reported by Colin Harvey of the Daily Star:

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A player needs time and I am ready to give him time and the club is ready to give him time. And it looks like he is ready to take this time. I really believe that next season he can have a fantastic season but if somebody feels pressure that he has to play all the time because he has the American Cup in the summer and so on I want to be fair.

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Mourinho also stated: "No problem with Cuadrado—he will have his time—step by step he will have his time. But he needs a little bit of time, time that sometimes players are not given."

Sterling would face a difficult task breaking into Chelsea's first team. The Englishman's talent was highlighted by his capture of Liverpool's Young Player of the Year award on Tuesday night, as reported by the Merseyside club. His form, however, has continued to fluctuate this season.

In fact, for all the hype surrounding Sterling, his seven goals and seven assists can be counted on par with Oscar's stats, per WhoScored. The only difference is, Sterling has played 1,015 minutes more than the Brazilian (over 11 games extra).

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently looked at the clubs who are most likely to sign Sterling this summer:

Darren Lewis of the Mirror believes Chelsea "are set to press ahead with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann," whose arrival would also allegedly put Oscar's future in doubt. The capture of Griezmann would most likely render Sterling unneeded.

Mourinho doesn't need to make changes just for the sake of it. He possesses strength-in-depth across every position but may be looking to land a greater number of big-game winners. Although talented, Sterling cannot be considered in this bracket yet.

It seems Chelsea would have to sacrifice an awful lot to land the former Queens Park Rangers man. At this stage, it's unlikely fans would take kindly to losing Oscar and Cuadrado for the want-away Liverpool star.