Pep Guardiola 'wanted Raheem Sterling to leave over the summer'

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly wanted Raheem Sterling to be sold during the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old was linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium over the summer, having found it difficult to show his best form for the club during the 2020-21 campaign.

Sterling has dropped down the pecking order in terms of a starting role with the Citizens, and Barcelona continue to be linked with a January loan move for the England international.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the relationship between the attacker and his manager broke down last term.

Guardiola was allegedly keen for Sterling to leave the club in the recent transfer window, but the Premier League champions did not receive a suitable offer.

The former Queens Park Rangers youngster has only managed one goal and two assists in 12 appearances for Man City during the 2021-22 season, while his contract at the club is due to expire in June 2023.