Manchester City may have to admit defeat in their bid to sign Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling after the Merseyside outfit have reportedly rejected a second bid, according to Guardian Sport.
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Manuel Pellegrini’s side saw their opening bid of £25 million turned down last week and returned with an improved offer -thought to be in the region of £40 million. However, they have once again been rebuffed by their Premier League rivals.
It was reported via Guardian Sport on Wednesday morning that the club’s offer for Sterling was to be their final bid, and with Liverpool remaining adamant that they will keep hold of their star player, it remains to be seen whether or not City are going to make a third bid in the coming weeks.
The Anfield club have insisted they have no plans to cash in on the England international, despite public knowledge that he will not be signing a new deal at the club [via BBC Sport].
Liverpool are understood to slapped a hefty £50 million price-tag on Sterling’s head and that has done the trick in warding of interest of potential suitors as both Arsenal and Chelsea have baulked at the asking price.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the 20-year-old, and Telegraph Sport claimed the North London outfit were preparing a bid but nothing official has been lodged by the FA Cup holders just yet.
Meanwhile, the Blues are understood to be watching developments surrounding Sterling closely, as manager Jose Mourinho retains a interest but is unlikely to enter a bidding war at the moment [via Sky Sports].
There is still the possibility that Sterling, who has suffered a dip in form since the interview with the BBC, will be forced to stay on Merseyside this summer as it looks highly unlikely that any club is willing to meet Liverpool’s valuation.