Man City will open contract talks with Raheem Sterling this month.
The England attacker will enter the final year of his contract next summer with the club running the risk of Sterling leaving 12 months later for nothing.
SunSport have been told the winger’s representatives have still not met with the club chief Txiki Bergiristain about extending his stay at the Etihad beyond 2020.
SIGN UP – WIN £10k BY PLAYING DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER THIS WEEKEND
But now the Premier League champions are finally calling them round the table in an attempt to thrash out a new deal to keep him at the club long-term.
Sterling joined the Champions in 2015 from Liverpool for £49millionon a five- year deal.
The Three Lions star was outstanding for City last term scoring 23 goals as Pep Guardiola’s men walked the Premier League title.
And he is continuing to show his importance to the club this season, scoring three goals in this campaign to cement his status as one of the key players in the squad.
Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Sterling and could be on red alert if talks hit a brick wall at any stage.
Guardiola, who has overseen Sterling’s vast improvement over the last 18 months, will be desperate to hold on to the winger for the foreseeable future.
Pep said: “He said: “It’s well known that we are delighted with him and we want him to continue.
“The club knows my opinion and the club shares it, so it’s the club and Raheem’s agent.
“Sometimes it needs a long time, it’s important that Raheem and his people know how delighted we are with him.”
READ MORE FROM THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WORLD OF DREAM TEAM:
- 7 players who will become household names during this Champions League campaign
- How Pablo Aimar went from stunning Man United to changing Nemanja Matic’s position
- Building a ‘Dream Team’ out of Ronaldo’s team-mates at PSV, Barcelona and Inter Milan
WATCH: Love Of The Game: Leyton Orient (Episode 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VD3s7VgLHTI