Sterling gives condition for new Man City contract
Raheem Sterling is willing to sign a new contract with Manchester City – but only if he receives assurances about his future under Pep Guardiola, reports claim.
The winger enjoyed a sensational summer with England as one of Gareth Southgate’s stars of Euro 2020, leading the Three Lions to the final against Italy at Wembley with three goals at the tournament, but he has been unable to replicate that form since returning to club duty.
The 26-year-old has started only twice in the Premier League this season and just four times overall, with Guardiola preferring new £100million signing Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus in the attacking positions.
Sterling has just two years to run on his current deal at the Etihad and has been linked with a move away in January after his lack of playing time but the player would consider penning fresh terms if Guardiola assures him he is a key player, according to the Sun.
With Euro 2020 heartache firmly behind them, France are now unbeaten in their last 25 competitive games.
He recently held face-to-face talks with the Spaniard and promised to ‘give his all’ in a central position after firing a blank when picked up front in the 0-0 draw against Southampton last month, with further discussions about his future ‘on hold’, the report claims.
City have no plans to let him leave in January and are optimistic he will sign a new deal in due course, it adds.
Barcelona and Newcastle are among the sides tipped to make a move for Sterling after his heroics with England this summer and established pedigree he has 115 goals in 302 games for City since his £50m switch from Liverpool in 2015.
He has been a focal point in Guardiola’s attack during his five-year reign and has been vital to the club’s three Premier League title wins under his leadership, but saw his playing time drop towards the end of the last campaign.
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For now, Sterling will be focusing on impressing for England in their World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Tuesday night, where he is set to start. He was an unused substitute for their 5-0 win over Andorra on Saturday, and pundit Ian Wright urged him to sort his City future out so he can excel for his country.