Paper Talk: Man City eye Messi successor after €80m transfer development

Ansu Fati greeting Luis Suarez

Manchester City have named their price for one of their exit-linked stars, but could use the opportunity to land another top talent – while Tottenham are one of three suitors for a striker in a sticky situation, according to Tuesday’s transfer gossip.

MAN CITY SET STERLING PRICE

Manchester City have set an asking price of €80m for Raheem Sterling, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

The winger recently admitted to considering a future abroad amid links with Barcelona. Concerns over gametime could push him away from the Etihad Stadium, where he has enjoyed a lot of success.

At the age of 26 – to be 27 by the time the next transfer window opens – Sterling faces a major decision. Wherever he commits to will be getting him for his prime years.

Despite their financial difficulties, Barcelona have been looking into a deal as they continue to evolve their attack after the summer exit of Lionel Messi.

They have a hope that City may be able to do business via a loan deal, utilising their good relationship with ex-coach Pep Guardiola.

However, it may not be so straight-forward. According to Marca, City are looking for a figure of around €80m to cash in on Sterling. Equating to around £67.7m, it would give them a profit on the £57.3m they paid Liverpool for him in 2015.

Man City winger Raheem Sterling playing against Tottenham

Sterling is out of contract in 2023, so there has been a feeling a deal could be done on the cheap. But City will not be giving discounts over a man who has scored 115 goals for them over the years.

City spy Sterling successor

Even so, they are planning in case of his departure and have lined up a replacement, sources elsewhere suggest.

According to Ekrem Konur, City are viewing Barcelona number 10 Ansu Fati as a potential replacement for Sterling.

Fati inherited Messi’s famous jersey this summer and has a bright future. However, he is out of contract in 2022 and negotiations over a renewal have been stalling.

Manchester United are believed to be admirers, but Konur believes City are as well.

And while Barcelona’s attempts to tie him down remain at a standstill, there will be hope of a transfer.


Liverpool underline Premier League title credentials – and Salah is on a mission


SPURS IN STRIKER BATTLE

Tottenham Hotspur are in a battle for PSG striker Mauro Icardi along with AC Milan and Juventus. His future is in question on and off the pitch after his apparent split from wife and agent Wanda Nara. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

Mohamed Salah will ask for weekly wages of around £400,000 if he is to sign a new contract with Liverpool. (Daily Telegraph)

One of Raphinha’s representatives says he could be worth €60m if another Premier League club make an offer to Leeds. (UOL)

Man City view West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as a long-term successor to Fernandinho. (The Sun)

Kylian Mbappe has now hinted he is happy at PSG after trying to leave for Real Madrid in the summer. (Marca)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left disappointed by Man Utd’s failure to sign a midfielder in the summer. (Manchester Evening News)

Man Utd have assured Solskjaer his job is not under threat, even with a tough run of games coming up. (Daily Star)

RONALDO RECOMMENDS NEXT MAN UTD BOSS

Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer standing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021

But Cristiano Ronaldo has recommended former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane in Solskjaer’s place. (El Chiringuito)

Jesse Lingard’s agents attended the match between Newcastle and Tottenham at the weekend. (The Sun)

Barcelona believe Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak – linked with Arsenal and both Manchester clubs – would be a cheaper alternative to Erling Haaland. (AS)

Former West Ham striker Sebastien Haller, now of Ajax, has been identified as a possible successor to Haaland for Borussia Dortmund. (Calciomercato)


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Newcastle teammates Jamaal Lascelles and Isaac Hayden were involved in a bust-up in the tunnel after the game. (Daily Mail)

Everton scouts have been impressed by teenage Morecambe left-back Connor Pye. (Football Insider)

AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea have taken Wrexham youngster Daniel Davies on trial, after Liverpool, Brighton and Stoke made similar offers. (Goal)

Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier says he would love to play in the Premier League again. (Daily Mail)

Newcastle have drawn up a managerial shortlist of Steven Gerrard, Roberto Martinez and Unai Emery. (The Times)

Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is now also in discussions over replacing Steve Bruce. (Daily Mirror)

Premier League clubs – apart from Man City – have voted for legislation to prevent Newcastle’s new owners agreeing huge sponsorship deals. (The Guardian)

Rangers want at least £10m for the sale of midfielder Joe Aribo, who is a target for Crystal Palace. (Football Insider)