Manchester City want to keep hold of winger Raheem Sterling and ensure that he fights for his place, following his admission about him being open to leaving the club.
That is according to a report from 90Min who also claim Sterling is 'eyeing' a loan move to Spanish giants Barcelona in January.
Sterling, who did start City's 2-0 triumph over Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, has become frustrated about the lack of opportunities he has been presented with so far this term, with the win over the Clarets marking just his third Premier League start of the campaign.
On Thursday, the England international admitted that if his opportunities did not increase, he would be 'open' to leaving the club to take on a fresh challenge.
Now, it has been claimed that City would like to retain the lightning-quick winger, but he, himself, wants to leave on loan in January and join Barcelona. It is also reported that the winger would be open to making his temporary City exit a permanent one next summer if all went well.
Sterling has made a total of 11 appearances in all competitions so far this season, but only five of them have been starts.
Meanwhile, ESPN claim that City have joined cross-city rivals Manchester United in the race to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman, who helped France win the UEFA Nations League final last Sunday evening, defeating Spain 2-1 in Milan, is one of the most promising youngsters in world football and has no shortage of admirers.
Both United and Chelsea have been the leading runners in the race to secure his signature, but it is now claimed that City have now joined the battle.
Also being linked with Real Madrid, it is claimed that Monaco are poised to demand around £50million for the 21-year-old's signature.
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