Sources: Critical update on Raheem Sterling’s future at Man City after preliminary talks
Raheem Sterling is ready to run down his Man City contract and leave on a free transfer next year, Football Insider understands.
The 27-year-old has failed to agree terms on a new deal to replace his current agreement, which expires in the summer of 2023.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Sterling is in no rush to settle his future and is happy to stay at Etihad Stadium next season without signing an extension.
He knows he can then secure a mega-money contract as a free agent from elite Premier League or European clubs.
Preliminary talks have been held over a new City deal but an agreement is not believed to be close.
Sterling was expected to struggle for game time following the club-record signing of Jack Grealish last summer.
However, Grealish has failed to live up to his £100million price tag with Sterling preferred by Pep Guardiola in recent big games against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
Sterling has contributed 14 goals and seven assists in 40 games across all competitions this season.
Only Riyad Mahrez has scored more than the England international for City this season.
A £49million signing from Liverpool in July 2015, Sterling has been one of the Premier League’s best players since arriving to the Etihad.
He has helped the Cityzens lift three Premier League titles, five League Cups and an FA Cup during his time at the club.
In other news, Campbell has issued a ‘massive’ Ruben Dias verdict after a ‘nightmare’ picture emerges from Man City.