Raheem Sterling has already made his feelings on playing wing-back clear as Leeds United lurk

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Raheem Sterling is currently being linked with a move to Leeds United by several outlets.

Caught Offside claim that Leeds view Sterling as a potential marquee signing this winter given his vast experience – the Chelsea outcast can boast 396 Premier League appearances.

Sportsboom also state that Leeds want the England international – who has not played a single second of football under Enzo Maresca this season.

Sterling might therefore jump at the chance to get his career back on track at Leeds, but if a deal does materialise, Daniel Farke needs to remember what was said back in November 2022.

Raheem Sterling has already said he would rather not play at wing-back as Leeds United succeed with a 3-5-2 formation

The man born in Kingston was used in a wing-back role by Graham Potter at times during the 2022/23 campaign.

Should Leeds sign Raheem Sterling? 🤔

He hasn't played in the Premier League since MAY… 😬

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When asked how it felt to play in that position, Sterling gave a professional response, but strongly hinted he would prefer to play as a more traditional attacker closer to goal.

The 31-year-old told the Kelly and Wrighty Show: “I haven’t played in back five for a while, but it’s something the manager (Graham Potter) has asked me to do and something that I’m more than happy to do as well… but the more I’m next to the box, the better for myself.”

Raheem Sterling can only play as a striker for Leeds United if Daniel Farke sticks with his 3-5-2 shape

The 3-5-2 formation replaces traditional wingers like Sterling with wing-backs.

It means Farke only really has a use for the QPR academy graduate at striker, given the fact he has played most of his career as a wide attacker.

Sterling has – as you can see – made 64 appearances as a striker and 18 appearances as a supporting striker over the years.

It means Leeds could have some joy fielding the Chelsea man alongside Lukas Nmecha or Dominic Calvert-Lewin, where he can feed off their excellent hold-up play.

If Farke is keen on finding an attacker he can also use in a wing-back role, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is an option who does enjoy playing in that position, having been used there by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.