According to reports in The Sun on Sunday, Chelsea starlet Dujon Sterling could join Premier League rivals Bournemouth on loan during the January transfer window.

What's the word, then?

Well, The Sun on Sunday says that Cherries boss Eddie Howe is preparing an offer to take the 18-year-old to the south coast for the second-half of the campaign, having missed out on a deal for the right-sided player during the summer.

The Sun on Sunday says that the west London outfit didn't want to lose the teenager then, but after extending his contract until 2022 – something they would have been delighted to do having lost Dominic Solanke to Liverpool earlier this year – he could leave on a temporary basis in the New Year in order to play regularly.

Bournemouth seem to have a good relationship with Chelsea having loaned Nathan Ake last season and then bought him on a permanent deal in the summer, while they also got goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at the same time.

How has Sterling done this season?

The 18-year-old has only made one appearance for the first team – a 14-minute cameo as a substitute in the 5-1 win against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup in September – but he has been a regular for the U23 side.

The teenager has featured in the UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, scoring an impressive three goals and providing a further two assists.

Should they loan him out?

A lot is made of the number of players that Chelsea have out on loan, but Sterling is certainly one that should be sent out for regular minutes – especially if it is in the Premier League.

The 18-year-old is currently battling with the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Zappacosta and Victor Moses for the right wing-back spot, and he is unlikely to get too many opportunities over the course of the rest of this season at least.

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