Barcelona are reportedly to go after Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling in the January transfer window, having held an interest in him in the summer.
According to a report from OnzeTV3, La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are eyeing a swoop for Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling during the January transfer window.
Sterling, who has been with Manchester City since 2015, has seen his importance in the side somewhat decline under Pep Guardiola over the past few months. The England international had been overlooked for a number of key games towards the backend of the last season and has not been a regular this term either, despite his impressive form at the Euros with England.
Indeed, of the nine games that Sterling has played this season, only four have been from the start, and just two of those coming in the Premier League. The former Liverpool ace has been pushed down the pecking order by club-record signing Jack Grealish which has led to intense speculation over his future ahead of the January transfer window.
Sterling had been a subject of interest from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but the Blaugrana failed to work out a deal to get him onboard. However, they have now rekindled their interest in the 26-year-old England international and are intent on signing him from Manchester City, after having taken note of his difficult situation at the Etihad Stadium.
Barcelona, themselves, are not in the pinkest of healths when it comes to results on the pitch or finances off it. Indeed, after a torrid run during which they have won just one game in six games across all competitions, manager Ronald Koeman finds his job under threat while the lack of quality in attack, apart from Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati has also been laid bare.
Having failed to adequately replace both Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann, it seems like Barcelona have been sparked into action by their disastrous start, forcing them to consider January additions. Dani Olmo has been strongly linked with a return to Catalonia, but the Spanish international is attracting a lot of interest from other top clubs, which could become an issue for the Blaugrana.
Sterling, to that end, is being seen as an alternative for the RB Leipzig star, with there likely to be less competition for the England international. With his contract expiring in 2023, it could also help Barcelona swoop him for a more affordable price. However, given their financial situation, quite how they manage to generate the funds for the 26-year-old remains to be seen.
A loan deal with the option of purchase could be their best bet. For now, Barcelona have rekindled their interest in Sterling and see him as a viable, cheaper alternative to Olmo heading into the January transfer window.
