Raheem Sterling is set to end the uncertainty over his future by signing a new five-year contract at Manchester City.
The Premier League champions have made a major breakthrough during talks with Sterling’s advisors in recent days, with a deal expected to be announced imminently.
Securing the 23-year-old’s future had become the top priority for director of football Txiki Begiristain amid interest from Real Madrid. But Sterling’s agent Aidy Ward had proved a tough negotiator, knowing his client has established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe over the past 12 months.
With the player also open about his desire to move to Spain at some point during his career, negotiations proved among the more complicated of a host deals City have struck with key members of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Pressure to tie down Sterling’s future also came from Guardiola, who was adamant he could not be allowed to leave the Etihad after proving so pivotal to City’s title triumph last season.
The former Liverpool winger’s salary could be worth as much as £300,000-a-week, although no figures have been confirmed.
City were always mindful Sterling would be prepared to walk away if they did not meet his demands.
He had the courage of convictions to leave Liverpool in 2015, despite coming under huge pressure to stay at Anfield.
With Real among his admirers, the chances to move to another European giant was a very real prospect.
But City have always maintained their determination to keep hold of him – particularly after witnessing his development under Guardiola.
Sterling scored 23 goals in last season’s record-breaking season after Guardiola rejected Arsenal’s attempts to include him in a swap deal for Alexis Sanchez.
He has continued that form this term with four goals already.
