Raheem Sterling is reportedly set for showdown talks with Manchester City as he edges closer to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The winger is entering the final year of his contract with the Premier League champions and looks increasingly likely to depart. Though he made 47 appearances in all competitions, he was handed just five starts in the Champions League and 23 starts in the top-flight.
With Erling Haaland arriving to take the central striking role in Pep Guardiola's side, Sterling will find himself competing for one of the two spots out wide. Currently, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez are also battling for those positions.
That status in the City squad has led to him beginning to seriously consider his future in Manchester. According to The Times, Sterling 'wants' to be a regular starter and to challenge for major trophies.
With his contract now at a crucial point, it is stated that the winger will 'meet with City executives' following this summer's international break for showdown talks. At that meeting they will either decide to attempt to extend his contract or grant him a transfer this summer.
At this stage, it would appear that the latter option is the most likely scenario to happen. City are said to be 'unlikely' to offer Sterling 'any assurances' about his playing time if he does stay at the club.
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If he is 'not satisfied' with what City offer at the meeting, it is said that Sterling will 'look elsewhere'. One of the England international's leading suitors is Real Madrid, who have 'stepped up' their pursuit of him.
Los Blancos are said to be 'monitoring his situation' as they look for reinforcements in attack. Kylian Mbappe's surprise rejection of a move to the Bernabeu means a star name is needed, with Sterling 'aware' of Madrid's interest.
While there is yet to be any contact between Madrid and City, the La Liga champions are thought to be in pole position to sign Sterling. Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are all named as other interested suitors, though a move from any of those three this summer is not thought to be likely.
Sterling himself has made no secret of his desire to one day play abroad, having spent his entire career so far in the Premier League. In October, he made it clear that he would consider moving away from his home country amid frustration over his opportunities at City.
“If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it. As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I’ve always thought: ‘You know, maybe one day I’d love to play abroad and see how I would come up against that challenge',” he said.
“I’m not a person that’s going to complain. I’ve not tried to make it a bigger deal than it actually is. I get on with my work, do what I need to do, and I’m just raring to go. [Ready to be] playing football matches regularly. If I want my happiness at a certain level I need to be playing football."
