Guardiola nonplussed as £140m link for Man City star re-emerges

Declan Campbell

Pep Guardiola is understood to be relaxed despite the latest speculation suggesting Real Madrid are preparing a fresh £140m January move for Raheem Sterling.

The England star was pivotal for Manchester City in their record-breaking Premier League success last campaign, contributing 18 goals as the Citizens became the first champions of England’s top flight to record a 100-point season.

Sterling showcased his quality in England’s historic win over Spain on Monday night as the former Liverpool man scored for the first time in three years for the national team. You can see our Player Ratings for the game here.

With Sterling’s contract running now having just over 18 months left to run, the Daily Mail have reported that Real Madrid will move into pole position for the forward and could even submit a £140m offer to help salvage their poor start to the season.

The Champions League holders currently sit fourth in LaLiga and are on the back of their worst goal drought in 33 years, emphasising their need for attacking reinforcements.

City boss Guardiola, however, has always stayed calm about the player’s contract situation and has always expressed his confidence that an agreement will be reached to extend his stay at the Etihad. Guardiola recently heaped praise over his electric winger,

“Raheem is always a guy who wants to score and create chances so we are very happy for him and the team,” said Guardiola during the wide-man’s excellent performance against Brighton in late September.

 

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