Thomas Tuchel 'has made contact with Raheem Sterling ahead of Chelsea's opening bid for £60m-rated Manchester City forward' as new owner Todd Boehly looks to make a statement with the first of his six promised signings

Prior to Chelsea's impending offer for the Manchester City forward, Thomas Tuchel allegedly spoke with Raheem Sterling.

The 27-year-old England international has become one of Tuchel's top transfer targets this summer, with the player being seen as a possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who is leaving.

With only one year left on his contract at the Etihad, Sterling has attracted the attention of several elite clubs in Europe, with Chelsea doing their utmost to sign him.

The Blues are getting ready to make an opening offer for Sterling, who City believes is worth between £50 million and £60 million, according to The Telegraph.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly also interested in signing Sterling, but the City winger would prefer a move to Chelsea because of the chance to play regular first-team football and contend for championships there.

Romelu Lukaku, who is almost certain to return on loan to Inter Milan before the 2019 season, is seen by the Blues as an attacking substitute for Sterling.

Teams throughout Europe have taken notice as the 27-year-game old's time at the Etihad Stadium may be further curtailed as a result of City's signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez in attack.

According to reports, new owner Todd Boehly has promised six new acquisitions and will give Tuchel £200 million to spend on summer transfers.

Roman Abramovich sold the Stamford Bridge club in the last month after the Russian businessman decided to do so in response to British government sanctions and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The American bought the club from Abramovich.

Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde, and Sterling are among the major targets, with Jonathan Clauss, Ousmane Dembele, Richarlison, and Gabriel Jesus all being mentioned.