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