Man City move nears for Sterling – at price of £45m

MANCHESTER CITY have tabled what they hope is a deal-clinching £45 million move for Raheem Sterling.

City believe they have made a vital breakthrough in their swoop for the talented youngster during advanced talks this weekend and in trying to bring the deal to a swift conclusion.

Manchester City sources have told Sportsmail a deal for the youngster, pictured above, is finally nearing completion and Sterling will not travel to Asia for Liverpool’s pre-season tour.

Sportsmail understands Sterling has already said goodbye to his Liverpool teammates.

City have agreed to pay £45 million for the England star, who has been Manuel Pellegrini’s target No 1 summer target.

The next step for the recently deposed Premier League champions will be to agree personal terms with Sterling, who will miss the club’s summer tour.

It is thought Liverpool made the decision to withdraw Sterling from their preseason tour of Asia after the wantaway forward arrived at Melwood training ground along with his teammates.

Liverpool had been holding out for £50m, however Manchester City believe the rift between Sterling and Brendan Rodgers will enable them to land the youngster for just shy of their rival’s asking price.

Manchester City have had offers of £35m and £40m rejected for the former Queens Park Rangers starlet.

Sterling came under criticism from former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard earlier this week due to his recent behaviour.

Gerrard, speaking to Sky Sports News, said: “I’m not happy with all that carry-on. He needs to go in and see the owners. You don’t have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour.

“There are millions of Liverpool fans waiting to see Raheem pull on a Liverpool shirt.

“It looks very disappointing from where I’m sat. The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too.

“It’s very difficult for me to sit here and support him and the team around him... what they’re trying to do with his career at a young age.

“It’ll be a terrible shame if he goes somewhere and doesn’t kick on as a player.

“It’s slightly disappointing how far the situation has gone – but the only way I can see for him is out at the moment.” – Daily Mail