Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly closely monitoring the situation of Raheem Sterling, with Manchester City ready to resume contract talks.
According to a report by ESPN, Raheem Sterling could soon resume talks with Manchester City over a new contract. But Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will be keenly tracking the 27-year-old forward’s situation in the weeks and months to come.
Raheem Sterling has transformed into a prolific attacker since making the controversial move from Liverpool to Manchester City in July 2015. In the last six and a half years, the Englishman has progressed considerably, establishing himself as a key figure for club and country.
While the 27-year-old has endured two difficult years at Manchester City, he has done well to regroup and become a crucial member of Pep Guardiola’s side again this season. Sterling has raked in nine goals and three assists in 27 appearances in all competitions. But with the player’s contract expiring in 18 months, Barcelona and Real Madrid have been closely monitoring his situation at the Etihad.
Barcelona’s interest in Sterling is long-standing, with the Blaugrana even opening talks to sign the English international before opting to secure the services of Ferran Torres instead. But despite landing the Spaniard, it looks like the Catalan giants remain in pursuit of Sterling if an opportunity presents itself.
With Memphis Depay facing an uncertain future at Camp Nou, Sterling could arrive at Barcelona as a like-for-like replacement for the Dutchman. But Barcelona will have to fend off competition from arch-rivals Real Madrid to land the Manchester City forward.
The interest from Real Madrid comes in the wake of the rampant uncertainties surrounding the future of Eden Hazard. While Kylian Mbappe is their priority target, the Frenchman is essentially expected to replace Gareth Bale at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In addition to Barcelona and Real Madrid, Sterling is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain, with the three European bigwigs closely monitoring his situation at Manchester City. But with the Premier League champions ready to open contract renewal talks with the 27-year-old English international, it is likely that he will be staying put at the Etihad for the foreseeable future.
