Zinedine Zidane has been urged to sign "world class" Manchester City star Raheem Sterling over Eden Hazard this summer by former Chelsea man Chris Sutton.
Real Madrid's pursuit of Hazard has been no secret and it looks like it's a transfer saga that could rumble on for months yet, but while the Belgian is continuously linked with a move to Spain there's another man in the Premier League who is turning heads with his performances.
That man is Raheem Sterling, who scored four goals over the international break for England including a hat-trick and is on 19 goals for the season in all competitions for Manchester City.
Who are the 14 FIFA members who will decide Chelsea's fate over transfer ban?
He's scored more than Hazard, is four years younger and could well win another Premier League title this season, and after his performances for the Three Lions in the break Sutton reckons Madrid should make a move Sterling instead - and insists he should be their number one target.
"You have to say that Raheem Sterling is now world class,’ Sutton told the Daily Mail .
"If you were Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, surely you would want to buy him over Eden Hazard. Is there anything Sterling cannot do?
"His weight of pass is superb, his movement off the ball is lethal and he has become deadly in front of goal.
"What defender in the world would want to face Sterling in this form? It doesn’t matter if you take him on or back off — either way he will destroy you.
"He is still just 24 and improving year on year. His wonderful performances for England in the last two games have confirmed that he can thrive on the international stage.
"Sterling is one of the hottest properties in world football. If I was Real Madrid, I’d be making him my No1 target."
Callum Hudson-Odoi demands UEFA take action amid alleged racist abuse of Spurs star Danny Rose
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusive from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android.
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
