SPANISH MAD FOR STERLING

REAL MADRID are stepping up interest in Raheem Sterling.

They will closely monitor the England star’s negotiations with Manchester City over an extension to his £180,000-a-week deal, which has 18 months to run.

City want him to stay, but no agreement has been reached.

Real are desperate to bolster their squad – Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is also on their list – and believe Sterling has huge potential. The 23-year-old (above) came of age in City’s march to the title last term and helped England reach the World Cup semifinals. His scoring and end-product have improved dramatically under Etihad boss Pep Guardiola.