Man City's Sterling clarifies future amid Real Madrid speculation
Raheem Sterling's agent has said his client "is solely focused on Manchester City" amid reports that Real Madrid are ready to make an offer for the English forward.
Manchester City’s two-season ban from European competition for breaches of UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules has put the club on high alert.
City’s owners are keen to avoid an exodus of top talent and following a meeting between the club’s directors and the players at the weekend, it is expected that the squad heavyweights will remain at the Etihad.
Raheem Sterling has been the first to publically clarify his future. The English forward, who has a contract with City until 2023, used his agent, Aidy Ward, to affirm that his immediate future was tied to the Manchester-based outfit.
“Raheem is solely focused on Manchester City and will not be distracted by any talk of transfers to any club at the moment,” Ward said in a statement given to the English press on Sunday.
Real Madrid ready to make offer for Sterling - reports
The comments come amid reports that Real Madrid are ready to make an offer of 180 million euros for Sterling this summer. In December, UK press reported that the 25-year-old also has an offer on the table from City that would see his salary rise to 27 million euros.
The England international is enjoying another impressive season at the Etihad and, with 20 goals, is City’s second highest goalscorer after Sergio Aguero. Since the arrival of Pep Guardiola, Sterling has continued to improve his numbers each season and is expected to be one of stars of Euro 2020 this summer.
Guardiola to clarify future on Tuesday
Meanwhile, Guardiola himself is set to clarify his own future on Tuesday amid speculation linking him with Juventus, according to the The Times.
The UK daily reports that the Spanish coach will confirm his decision to remain at City in a press conference ahead of his side’s clash with West Ham on Wednesday.
After the meeting with The Hammers, City play Leicester away on Saturday and then travel to Madrid for the all-important first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Real on Wednesday, February 26.