Real Madrid are set to step up their pursuit of English international Raheem Sterling, who is reportedly valued at £100 million by Manchester City.
According to a report by Daily Mail, Real Madrid are ready to intensify their pursuit of Raheem Sterling, having been impressed by his exploits against Spain this week. The English international has less than two years remaining on his current deal with Manchester City, who value him at £100 million.
Sterling has progressed leaps and bounds since initially struggling to adapt to life as a Manchester City player. The arrival of Pep Guardiola though, has transformed the English international, who has evolved into one of the finest wingers in the Premier League, best epitomised by his returns last season.
With 23 goals and 17 assists in 46 appearances, Sterling was one of the biggest reasons why the Citizens went on to lift the Premier League trophy as well as the Carabao Cup last term. And, while his solid form has continued at the start of this season, there are concerns surrounding his future, with Real Madrid monitoring him.
Los Blancos seem to be coming up short in the final third after a strong start to the season, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence starting to be felt dearly. In particular, Real Madrid seem to be heavily reliant on the output of Gareth Bale, with the likes of Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema struggling to contribute on a consistent basis.
While Mariano Diaz does provide some sense of optimism, the summer signing is not really a regular yet, which accentuates the need to sign someone who can fit in immediately and make an instant impact. Sterling is thus, a viable target for Real Madrid, who have been left impressed by his exploits for England against Spain this week.
The English international scored a brace that ensured Spain’s first competitive defeat at home in 15 years. Having made a lasting impact on the representatives in attendance, Real Madrid are ready to launch the offensive for the player and test Manchester City’s resolve.
The big concern for Manchester City is the fact that Sterling’s value is diminishing, with his current deal only having a little over 18 months left to run, thereby providing Real Madrid further impetus to pursue a move. The Premier League champions currently value the English international at £100 million, which might be fair assessment of his standing in the transfer market.
The main object for Manchester City will thus, be to tie Sterling down to a new deal, while Real Madrid could scour the possibility of signing the player in a cut-price deal if he still hasn’t agreed a new contract by the turn of the year.
For now, Sterling is going from strength to strength at Manchester City, who will be desperate to renew terms with the English international. It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid can succeed in pursuit of the 23-year-old, or if the Citizens can manage to hold on to their prized asset.
