Cape Town - Manchester
City are reportedly in talks with Raheem Sterling regarding an improved
contract to keep him at the club for the long term.
The
24-year-old only signed a bumper new deal worth £300 000 a week 12 months ago,
but such has been the quality of his performances since then, City are keen to
tie him down to a new one.
Sterling
has moved on to yet another level this season, firing home 14 goals in
competitions, and City wants to reward him with a new deal.
Sterling is
now regarded as one of the best players in the world and it will only be a
matter of time before the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona attempt to lure
him away.
City
believes another new contract on even better terms will put an end to the
chances of that happening and convince the player he has no reason to move.
The England
international is under contract until 2023, so there is no rush to get him tied
down to a new one.
Manchester
United goalkeeper David de Gea is said to be the Premier League's top earner
with a deal worth £375 000 a week and Sterling could get close to that if he
pens fresh terms.
Sterling
hit the headlines for the wrong reasons recently following a bust-up with
England team-mate Joe Gomez which resulted in him being dropped for the Euro
2020 qualifier against Montenegro.
However, he
was back in the side and set up two goals in the 4-0 win over Kosovo on Monday.
City return
to Premier League action when they take on Chelsea in a crucial game and they
will need Sterling fit and firing if they are to get back in the title race.
Pep
Guardiola's men currently sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool and have it
all to do.
- TeamTalk Media