Tottenham expert issues 'big' Raheem Sterling verdict after journalist's transfer update
Raheem Sterling's "big salary" will be a stumbling block for Tottenham this summer, according to Paul Robinson.
The former White Hart Lane number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, does not believe the 28-year-old will be willing to take a pay cut in the "prime of his career" to move to Spurs.
Sterling has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad.
According to the Mirror's Simon Mullock (4 June), Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs are weighing up moves for the England international.
However, Sterling is said to be considering running down his contract and leaving on a free next summer instead of a switch in the next window.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Tottenham's reported interest in Sterling, Robinson said: "I struggled to see how Raheem Sterling would fit into Tottenham's wage structure.
"I'm sure he's on a big salary at Man City and I can't imagine he'd want to take a cut on it in the prime of his career.
"He has talked openly about his desire to play abroad so I think that is more likely.
"I can't see Spurs paying Man City a sizeable fee plus the wages needed to get him. He won't take a pay cut to join Spurs when he could get the wages he is on now abroad.
"I just find it a very difficult deal to imagine working for everybody."