Real Madrid’s interest in Sterling is re-ignited by England goals

RAHEEM Sterling’s England brace against Spain has seen Real Madrid up their interest in the City winger, according to reports.

Sterling had scored just twice in 45 games for the Three Lions before netting as many times in 45 minutes as Gareth Southgate’s side dispatched Spain 3-2 in Seville on Monday night.

And the Real Madrid officials were in attendance at the Estadio Benito Villamarin were left suitably impressed by the 23-year-old’s showing.

The 13-times Champions League winners have been linked with a move for Sterling for some time, after former manager Zinedine Zidane admitted the La Liga outfit were ‘monitoring’ his development back in 2015.

And, with 18 months remaining on Sterling’s current deal at the Etihad, the report suggests there is concern among City officials with a new contract for the former Liverpool man still to be agreed.

Sterling could leave the Etihad for free next summer if a new deal is not thrashed out, with Los Blancos reportedly willing to offer substantially higher wages than the alleged £180,000-per-week he currently earns at the Etihad.

Sterling scored 23 goals for the Blues last season – his highest tally by some distance – as Pep Guardiola’s side cantered to the Premier League title in record-breaking fashion.