Manchester City 'preparing to step up Raheem Sterling contract talks'

Manchester City are reportedly preparing to step up contract talks with Raheem Sterling amid the uncertainty surrounding the England international's future.

Barcelona continue to be strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who only has little over 18 months left to run on his current deal with the Premier League champions.

Sterling has struggled to hold down a spot in the Man City XI this season, although recent injuries to Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, in addition to Kevin De Bruyne's absence through coronavirus, has seen him play the full 90 minutes in each of his side's last two games against Everton and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to The Telegraph, the Citizens will soon accelerate contract talks with the attacker, with the club keen to sign him to a long-term deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Sterling has made 309 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side since arriving from Liverpool in July 2015, contributing 118 goals and 88 assists in the process.

The Englishman scored his fourth club goal of the season in Man City's 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night.