Ex-striker tips Sterling to quit Man City after ‘world-class’ replacement is found
Raheem Sterling could be on his way out of Manchester City following Phil Foden’s emergence as a first-team player.
That’s according to former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Sterling’s future.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on £80million-valued Sterling amid growing doubts over his future.
This site revealed on 30th April that Pep Guardiola is willing to sell the England international for the right offer this summer.
Sterling, 26, has been a regular starter in the Premier League but has seen his opportunities in the Champions League cut drastically.
Across City’s six European knockout games, Sterling has only played 99 minutes and failed to register a goal contribution.
McAvennie blames this on the emergence of Foden as he has become a shining light in Guardiola’s side.
“He’s been there a few years now Sterling, time moves on, players get replaced,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Foden has replaced him and he’s playing world-class at the moment.
“I was talking to someone last week and they said Foden will be better than [Paul] Gascoigne.
“I said there is that possibility. Foden could be a lot better than Gazza but right now he’s not.
“Football evolves and I think Sterling might be on the way out of Man City. The boy won’t hang around if he’s not getting a game, that’s for sure.”
Foden, 20, has picked up 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions this season.
Gareth Southgate is likely to take both players to the European Championship this summer.
In other Manchester City news, this pundit has reacted to Tottenham potentially signing one of City’s defenders.