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After having their initial two bids for Raheem Sterling knocked back by Liverpool, Manchester City are reportedly considering making a final push, as they prepare a £50m bid for the England international.
The Reds have insisted that Sterling is not up for sale, having rejected a £30m bid and a £40m bid for Sterling from the Citizens. However, the supposed £50m bid would tempt the Merseyside club into giving up their 20-year-old forward, who has 2 years left on his contract. Sterling’s agent Aidy Ward has already told Liverpool that Sterling won't be signing a new contract with them.
Adding fuel to fire, Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has insisted that they would invest heavily in new players this summer in order to challenge for trophies next summer, with the Jamaican-born Sterling being one of their long-term targets. He would also fill their home-grown quota, as they are currently short of English players.
The Citizens, however, will still have to be wary of FFP rules. The easing of the rules could facilitate some movement for them, regardless, splurging on one player might leave them with limited options to strengthen elsewhere.
If the deal goes through, Sterling would become the most expensive English player of all time, eclipsing the £30m Manchester United signing of Rio Ferdinand over a decade ago.
