Manchester City are preparing a third and, supposedly, final offer for Liverpool’s wantaway winger Raheem Sterling – with the Daily Mirror expecting the deal to be worth an initial fee of £40m with £5m in add-ons.
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According to the source, City are confident that their offer will be accepted this time around, as the Reds look to put an end to the media furore surrounding this never-ending transfer saga.
Liverpool have rejected two approaches from Manuel Pellegrini’s side, the last of which was described as a take it or leave it offer (via The Guardian). However, City are prepared to go against their word and return with another improved bid – something that’s likely to be welcomed after the events of the last week.
Sterling has missed training for the last two days – claiming to be unwell – while he has also asked not to be included on our tour of the Far East. The Mirror state that some of our squad are upset by the England forward’s belligerence in trying to force through a transfer and privately hope he will be sold to facilitate further transfers.
The Reds have already brought in six new players this summer, including the headline additions of Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne, and the squad are believed to be curious about who could be next.
Barcelona forward Pedro is among the names to have been linked with the club (via the Echo), as the press begins to speculate over potential replacements for Sterling, while the Reds are still believed to be chasing a striker (via the Express).