Guardiola tells City to sign up Sterling

PEP GUARDIOLA has urged Manchester City to tie Raheem Sterling down to a new long-term contract. Real Madrid have watched the 20-goal forward, while it is believed discussions between Sterling’s representatives and City will begin in the summer. ‘No doubts, it’s so important,’ Guardiola said. ‘But you know the deals are the deals. Anything can happen but he knows how important he is to us,’ Guardiola added. Fernandinho is one of a number of stars to have agreed an extension earlier this season and Guardiola revealed City — two wins from the title — could not have conquered the Premier League without the central midfielder. The Brazilian helps new signings settle in and regularly takes team-mates out for dinner. ‘Everything we have done so far we couldn’t have done without him. No way,’ Guardiola added. ‘It wouldn’t have been possible on and off the pitch. ‘He is a real captain, always shows up, never stays back. Normally he plays good. He’s a gift for me to have him here.’ Sergio Aguero looks set to miss today’s trip to Everton with a knee injury and John Stones is out after suffering a concussion in England’s draw against Italy.