City set to deal in stars like boss
are the latest Blues aces in line for bumper contracts.
Club bosses see Guardiola’s decision to extend his stay as a huge statement of intent.
In January they intend to strengthen their hand further by opening formal talks with Lionel Messi about bringing the Barcelona superstar to Manchester.
With Messi still at war with the Nou Camp club, insiders at The Etihad believe his arrival next summer is close to a formality – a key factor in Guardiola’s decision to stay.
Sealing De Bruyne’s future also appears to be straightforward.
The Belgian, 29, made it clear during initial negotiations that he is happy with the club and the terms of a new £350,000-a-week deal that will run until 2025.
Brazil striker Jesus, 23, still has two-and-a-half years left on his existing Blues deal.
But in a clear show of faith the club are ready to offer him an improved terms worth £150,000 a week – almost doubing his salary overnight.
City hope Sterling, 25, will also put pen to paper despute expressing a desire to play abroad at some point.
Like De Bruyne, the England winger’s current
£300,000-a-week contract still has more than two years left to run.
Sterling can also expect a significant pay hike.
The belief inside the club is the progress he has made working under Guardiola for four seasons has not yet reached its ceiling.
After scoring just 10 goals in the Catalan’s first year, Sterling has hit the net 23, 25 and 31 times in subsequent seasons.
He already has five this campaign and is City’s most potent threat when it comes to making and taking goals.
As the Daily Star Sunday revealed two weeks ago, Foden, 20, is expected to sign a new contract which could see his money triple to
£75,000 a week.