Raheem Sterling: On his way out of Manchester City?

Raheem Sterling has come out and publically admitted this could be the final season at Manchester City, with the player happy to find a new club; Sterling reportedly wants to move abroad if the opportunity was to arise, with the Premier League “all that he knows”.

Does this news surprise anybody? Not in the least. Why? Because of the treatment of Raheem Sterling since last season and the amount of game time, or lack thereof, for the attacker.

Adding even more fuel to the fire and speculation to the exit, the club and player have stalled on contract talks – not that they were in a rush to settle matters with the Englishman – Sterling has two years left on his current deal.

The player has held on contract negotiations due to the fact he has become a bit-by-bit player, limited to just four starts this season from 10 matches played; two in the Premier League, a Champions League appearance and a Carabao Cup showing.

Sterling on his Manchester City situation:

"Talking at an FT Live event, Sterling said: “If there was the opportunity to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it.“As I said, football is the most important thing to me. Challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.“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. See how I would come up against that challenge.“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. Playing football matches regularly. Score goals regularly.” (Via: mirror.co.uk)"

Liverpool and Barcelona have been linked with a switch

Since the summer the talks have been, “would you take Sterling back at Liverpool?”. The majority of Reds wouldn’t think about it at all and do not want to see him at Anfield again, however, there are a few others who would take him back.

He is still at an age that suits the Liverpool transfer mould, 26, and offering loads of Premier League experience; this plus his footballing style of play – the first thing that attracted the club to him back when he was a teenager – goes hand in hand.

But the club linked heavily with the 26-year-old and said to have a strong interest in his services, La Liga outfit Barcelona. The rumours state as soon as the January window transfer opens, the Catalans want to see this deal go through, however, it is further reported that the Spanish side is €100million in transfer debt still.

Newcastle is the other club whose name has popped up since the Raheem breakthrough – but they will be linked with every top player since their mega-million takeover story – so do not be the slightest bit surprised if he was to sign for the Tyne side club.

Will we get to see Raheem Sterling this weekend when City entertain Burnley?

There is a possibility that he could start on Saturday with recent reports of Ferran Torres’ injury sustained while on international duty – and openly starting he is fully focused on winning with City – he sounds ready to take the pitch and score some goals.

Although, we must remember the return of Phil Foden diminishes his chances of playing. It’s easy to see his England compatriot is preferred over him when fit and has been in excellent form since returning from injury.