Chelsea Transfer News: John Terry Defends Raheem Sterling, Talks Up John Stones

Chelsea captain John Terry believes wantaway Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has "been unfairly treated" by the English media and that nobody can blame him for wanting to represent the "very best."

Sterling turned down a £100,000 per week contract extension at Anfield and looks set to join one of the Reds' Premier League rivals during the summer. Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United continue to be linked with his signature, reported by David Wright of the Express.

The spotlight has intensified on Sterling's quality because of this. Terry told talkSPORT (h/t Wright), he is within his right to move away from Merseyside:

"

Raheem has taken a bit of stick recently, but I was really impressed by him. I didn't realise how good he was until I played against him three or four times. He's an exceptional player.

At times he's been unfairly treated this year with the press he's got. He's a young player and wants to play at the very top for the very best. 

He's got ambitions to play in the Champions League and continue playing for his country.

"

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

You can hear from Terry below, per Audioboom:

The Blues leader suggests Sterling is unlikely to receive regular Champions League football at Liverpool. He provided an assist but failed to score during his six appearances in the 2014-15 competition, per WhoScored.com, but Liverpool missed out on successive qualifications by finishing sixth in the Premier League.

Sterling performed well in the domestic division—notching seven goals and seven assists—but increased scrutiny has arrived since he gave Natalie Pirks of BBC Sport an interview that wasn't sanctioned by the club. In this chat, Sterling made it clear he doesn't want to be seen as a "money-grabbing 20-year-old."

London Evening Standard writer Amar Singh provided a dig at Terry's comments:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently discussed the likely destinations for Sterling next season:

Terry also spoke of his admiration for Everton centre-back John Stones during his talkSPORT interview (h/t Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard):

"

I have seen a lot of games and I am a big fan of his. He pulls wide of the box and wants the ball and for a young defender to do that in the Premier League takes some guts. He is exceptional with both feet, he is a ball-playing centre half which you need to be these days.

He is extremely confident. He looks to play from the back and that can only be good for English football that the likes of him are coming through. He is definitely one I have been impressed by.

"

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho may be taking note. He is linked with a move for the Toffees youngster, according to John Richardson of the Express. Stones is a confident and technical player whose passing range is destined to make him a leader in one of the country's top clubs somewhere down the line.

Terry knows all about leadership and can be classed as one of the Premier League's best-ever performers. While his thoughts on Sterling are likely to frustrate those situated in Liverpool, those at Goodison Park will echo his comments on Stones.

Mourinho played a major role in Terry still being relevant to Chelsea—he suffered under the temporary tutelage of Rafa Benitez—and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the manager opt for someone of Stones' standing soon.

A top-quality, developing youngster will be needed to replace 34-year-old Terry in the coming years.