Barcelona are in difficult straits and are looking for cheap options to fortify their squad. The return of Xavi to the club has ignited hope that the team can get back to the top, but the young manager needs the personnel to stamp hisntity on the team.
With funds at a premium for Barcelona, Xavi is relying on loan deals as a way out until their financial situation improves.
For a while, Barcelona have had an eye on Manchester City star Raheem Sterling amid his struggles at the Etihad. The English international who has fallen down the pecking order at Manchester City amid the arrival of Jack Grealish recently indicated an interest in leaving the English giants.
Pep Guardiola has, however, maintained that the club intends to keep the player for a while longer.
Manchester City want to keep Sterling
Raheem Sterling continues to crave a vital role at the Etihad, and the arrival of Jack Grealish that pushed him down the ladder got the English international rethinking his future at the club. Sterling has gotten more involved with the club, despite a desire to leave the club following his reduced role.
Pep Guardiola has a clear position on Sterling. The Spanish gaffer wants the forward in his team and is pulling out all the stops to ensure Sterling remains a Citizen. As per The Telegraph, Manchester City are ramping up efforts to tie Raheem Sterling to a long-term contract. The club is looking to fend off offers coming from several clubs, including Catalan giants Barcelona.
Raheem Sterling has one full season left on his current deal, and City have no interest in letting him run down his contract to within a season of its expiration. Manchester City have a habit of renewing the contracts of their players still at their peak. The current situation has seen the club prioritise Sterling’s contract.
Sterling has, however, put contract discussions on hold as he tries to win his place back in the team. Regardless, Manchester City have a deal on the table for Sterling whenever he is ready to discuss.
Sterling is a vital cog in the wheel
Following the injuries to Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling has grabbed his chance with the team. The 26-year-old, who remains a vital cog in the wheel for England, has had to wait for the opportunity to come, and he has not let it slip by.
The English forward has scored in his last three appearances for Manchester City. The forward scored his latest goal in the 2-1 win against PSG, ending a run of ten weeks without scoring.
With Riyadh Mahrez set to leave for the African Cup of Nations in January, City has no intentions of letting Sterling depart the club in the next transfer window.
Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that Sterling is returning to form amid Barcelona interest. The Catalans are ready to pounce if Sterling is available in January and within their budget.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
