Manchester City may reportedly offload England striker Raheem Sterling to fund the acquisition of Harry Kane and Jack Grealish this summer.
Manchester City may reportedly offload England striker Raheem Sterling to fund the acquisition of Harry Kane and Jack Grealish this summer.
Sterling, 26, was England’s standout player at Euro 2020. He bagged three goals and was instrumental in the Three Lions’ march to the final. Gareth Southgate’s side came up just short but Sterling enhanced his reputation during the tournament.
Attention has now turned back to domestic matters, with clubs up and down the land trying to finalise their squads. City are no different but work off a bigger budget than most.
They have been linked with Tottenham striker Harry Kane for some time. New Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo appeared to close that door by stating that the forward will remain in north London.
Whether that was just posturing on his behalf remains to be seen as City still seem keen. The other player said to be on their wish list is Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.
His status grew last term with some scintillating displays for the West Midlanders in a campaign interrupted by injury. He played just a minor role at the European Championship but is still a sought-after player.
A report on Friday claimed he was having second thoughts about moving to the Etihad should the clubs come to an agreement. And the finances involved in the deal may prohibit the transfer.
The duo will probably cost in excess of £200million and The Athletic feel Sterling will be sold to enable the deals to happen.
There is no question that Sterling’s move from Liverpool to City has been the making of him as a player. Not much of a goal threat for the Reds, he has hit the net 114 times from 292 appearances for the Citizens.
And the Jamaican-born forward has now won 68 England caps, scoring 17 goals. But he was not as effective for his club last term, with his goal tally dropping considerably.
Selling the former Queens Park Rangers youth star would have seemed out of the question 12 months ago. But City fans will trust Guardiola’s judgement, especially if he can land both Kane and Grealish.
The report claims City chiefs feel they can obtain the England pair. However, it will involve finances not seen on these shores and the exit of a man who has become a City favourite.
It would be a gamble, with Sterling by no means finished as player and with possibly his best years still ahead. He has just two years left on his deal and there are rumours that he is unsettled at the club.
The time may be right to move him on and there would certainly be many suitors.
