Manchester City remain optimistic on signing Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling in this summer’s transfer window, and are readying what could be their third and final attempt at securing his signature.
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Liverpool boss hopes to use Sterling cash to sign Premier League pair
The Sun dismiss suggestions that the Citizen’s second £40m bid may have been their final offer, and claim that Manuel Pellegrini is currently preparing another blockbuster offer for the England international – which could meet the Reds’ price-tag of £50m.
Nonetheless, the British newspaper also state that Sterling is by no means a top priority signing this summer – with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere and Juventus’ Paul Pogba major names on their wish list – though they remain keen on signing the Three Lions youngster.
The 20-year-old is determined to leave Merseyside to play for a Champions League club – and is desperate for his transfer to be finalised before the new season kicks off on August 8th, according to The Sun.
On Thursday, Liverpool rejected a second £35.5m offer from Manchester City – which could have risen to £40m with add-ons – [via BBC Sport] as Brendan Rodgers refuses to let the unsettled winger seal an Anfield exit with ease.
Speculation was rife that Sterling was eager for a return to London, his home city, and was rumoured to be searching for properties within the English capital – putting Arsenal and Chelsea on high alert [via the Daily Mail].
Manchester City, however, are the only club to have confirmed their interest with two bids so far – suggesting that perhaps his interest isn’t on returning to his home town, but rather on heading to a side he believes has more chance of silverware success.