Manchester City are preparing an audacious trio of deals for England internationals Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Jay Rodriguez in order to meet the homegrown quota.
Reports suggest that the Citizens’ primary focus in the summer is on adding English talent to their ranks with a plethora of overseas talent at the club.
The imminent departure of Frank Lampard to the MLS, combined with James Milner’s uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium, is causing understandable concern with the club hierarchy over the lack of homegrown players in the Manchester City squad.
READ MORE:
Liverpool transfer gossip
Manchester City transfer rumours
Raheem Sterling could buy out Liverpool contract to force £25m Chelsea move
As such, according to the Daily Mail, the reigning Premier League champions have earmarked Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez as the England internationals that they would like to add to the first-team.
In particular, City chiefs are reportedly excited at the prospect of the Merseyside pair injecting some much needed youth into the ageing Sky Blues midfield.
Both Sterling and Barkley, however, are expected to command huge transfer fees. Particularly the Reds forward, who could cost around a staggering £50m; though with just a year left on his current contract, Liverpool could be forced into accepting an offer of half the figure desired.
Saints’ Rodriguez, on the other hand, could be a risky signing – given he has spent over a year on the sidelines due to injury, and is yet to make his comeback.