Raheem Sterling would see a move to Celtic as a 'step down' from Chelsea, as Ally McCoist dismissed any chance of a potential transfer.

The former Rangers star debunked Jeff Stelling's theory while discussing the England international's current predicament on the talkSPORT airwaves this morning.

The winger was left out of Enzo Maresca's squad as Manchester City ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at Stamford Bridge.

Given the flux of activity in terms of incoming at Chelsea, the move to omit Sterling appears to send the message that his days at the Premier League giants could be over.

And so, this prompted Stelling to speculate over where Sterling, 29, may end up before the close of the transfer window next week.

One talkSPORT caller suggested Rangers. But Stelling was quick to point out that Brendan Rodgers worked with Sterling before during their respective times at Liverpool.

Wondering if he could convince him to move to the Scottish Premiership, the radio host said: "Raheem Sterling should sign for Rangers... I'm not going to read the rest of this, but what about Celtic?"

McCoist replied: "Brendan knows him, but I think he'd see it as a step-down. I don't think so - I think if he's leaving the country, he's going to Saudi Arabia."

The transfer window closes on Friday, August 30 at 11pm for clubs across the UK.

Celtic will be looking to do business ahead of the deadline to strengthen their squad ahead of the newly-formed Champions League league-phase next month.

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Meanwhile, in a candid admission, Brendan Rodgers revealed that he is unsure whether Matt O'Riley will remain with Celtic as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

The 23-year-old has been at the centre of intense speculation throughout summer following being named Celtic's Player of the Year last time out, with several clubs, including Atalanta, Brighton, and Southampton, reportedly keen on securing his services.