Manchester City have reportedly ramped up their attempts to land Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling.
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Raheem Sterling transfer: Liverpool star ignoring criticism from Reds fans
The Daily Express claims that the Premier League champions are ready to splash out on the England international, along with fit-again Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez, Burnley’s Danny Ings and Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, formerly of Chelsea.
Sterling has little more than two years remaining on his contract at Anfield and will not discuss his future with the club until the end of the season.
The Reds’ bargaining position will be weakened somewhat in the almost certain event that they do not qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Under-performing City had looked in danger of missing out on a top-four finish, but Liverpool’s slump is likely to rescue them from missing out on a place in Europe’s biggest club competition.
Ings would arrive on a free transfer as his Turf Moor deal is almost expired, while Rodriguez and de Bruyne could cost the Blues anywhere between £30m and £40m combined, if their respective clubs decide to cash in.
City are the highest scorers in the top-flight but remain keen to add attacking flair to their squad.