Thomas Tuchel contacted Rahim Stirling before Chelsea made an offer for the Manchester City striker.
Sterling is emerging as one of the best attacking goals of head coach Thomas Tuchel and the German checked the plans of the English national team.
As Telegraph Sport revealed, the biggest European clubs believe that Stirling is ready to leave City this summer with one year left from his contract, although the 27-year-old has not yet publicly announced his intention.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in Stirling, but it is believed that the former Liverpool star would be ready to move to Chelsea if he can be sure that he plays regular football in the first team and fights for trophies.
Sources believe that Chelsea are now preparing an initial offer for Stirling, which City estimates between £ 50 million and £ 60 million.
Tuhel has been promised up to six new recruits by Chelsea owner Todd Bowley-Clearlake, and the club is also making moves for Juventus defender Matthias de Ligt, which may include trying to send Timo Werner in the opposite direction.
Reports from Italy claim that De Ligt does not want to sign a new contract with Juventus and is ready to move to the Premier League, but sources close to the Dutchman insist that there is no conflict between the player and the Italian club.
Boelli, who is Chelsea’s chairman and acting sporting director, is believed to have explored the possibility of offering a number of unwanted players to the club as part of Tuhel’s transfer offers.
Apart from Werner, doubts remain about the future of Hakim Zieh, who is linked to Milan, and Christian Pulisic.
Chelsea have agreed a deal for Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter Milan on loan, but senior sources told the Telegraph Sport that the club may not sign such an exchange.
In addition to Stirling, Chelsea have shown interest in Usman Dembele, who has yet to sign a new contract with Barcelona, and Richardson from Everton. Everton are interested in midfielders Connor Gallagher and Billy Gilmore.
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