Reece James has already backed Chelsea's Raheem Sterling transfer decision with glowing verdict

As Chelsea nears finalizing the acquisition of Manchester City and England player Raheem Sterling, football.london looks back at Reece James' comments from a year ago regarding his fellow international teammate.

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling this summer, football.london understands. The Blues made an official bid of £45million, plus £10m in add-ons, on Tuesday and it has been accepted by the Premier League champions.

Sterling is looking to leave Man City in order to get more regular football. With now less than 12 months remaining on his contract, the 27-year-old is available for somewhat of a cut-price given his reputation in the Premier League.

In his seven-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, Sterling has scored 131 goals in 339 appearances in all competitions. He is one of just 33 players to score over 100 goals in the Premier League.

Sterling can play on the left, the right and has even been used as a 'false nine' at times under Pep Guardiola. He's made a reputation, though, of being a tricky wide man, with his speed and dribbling ability making it very difficult for opposition full-backs to combat.

Chelsea right-back Reece James, who plays with Sterling at international level for England, knows all too well about the havoc the Man City man can cause. In fact, James named Sterling as one of the best wingers in the world in an interview last summer.

The Blues defender said: "Everyone knows how good of a player Raheem Sterling is. He's probably one of the best wingers in the world at this moment in time.

"We're going to need him for this tournament [European Championships]. Raheem Sterling is definitely up there and I would probably say [Sadio] Mane as well."

James hopefully won't have to face Sterling in the near future as the Man City winger closes in on a switch to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will be hoping they won't have to come up against Raphinha of Leeds United, either.

Chelsea reached an agreement with Leeds earlier in the week over a £55m deal to sign the Brazil international. However, Raphinha prefers a move to Barcelona and is understood to be delaying the process so the Catalan club can match Chelsea's bid for the winger.