Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Raheem Sterling, who could leave Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
According to The Times, Real Madrid are set to ramp up their interest in Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling as the 27-year-old contemplates his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling has been with Manchester City since 2015, when he arrived from Liverpool, and has been a top player for the club. The versatile forward has been integral to the success that the Cityzens have achieved over the years. But, heading into the new season, he is growing concerned over his role in Pep Guardiola’s team.
Sterling was overlooked by the manager in several important matches this past season, including the UEFA Champions League semi-final clashes against Real Madrid. And, despite the strong possibility of Gabriel Jesus leaving in the summer, Manchester City still have a plethora of options in attack, with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez set to arrive this summer.
So, Sterling is assessing his options as he enters the final year of his £300,000-a-week contract. The 27-year-old will sit down with Manchester City officials after the international break to discuss his future and will seek assurances over his role before signing a new contract. But with the Premier League champions unlikely to provide any such guarantees, he could be on the move this summer.
Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on the developments as they prepare to launch a swoop to sign Sterling in the summer. The Merengues were left high and dry after Kylian Mbappe made a late U-turn to snub them and sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, despite having hinted at a move to Spain on several occasions in the past.
It has left Real Madrid looking for an alternative for the French superstar, with Sterling emerging as one of the options they are considering, along with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
Sterling has previously hinted that he would be open to testing himself outside England. Real Madrid would provide him with the perfect stage for challenging for the biggest honours with the team while also giving him an opportunity to win personal accolades like the Ballon d’Or.
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While there has been no contact between Real Madrid and Manchester City, Sterling is aware of their interest in his services. And a clearer picture of the situation could emerge in the coming weeks once he has a meeting with the Premier League champions to discuss his future after England’s UEFA Nations League assignments.
