Pep Guardiola takes a massive call on Raheem Sterling amidst Barcelona links

Raheem Sterling has been the subject of the latest transfer discussions in the rumor mill as reliable sources have understood that Barcelona are interested in signing the English winger.

Sterling has been pushed down the pecking order at the Etihad stadium. Jack Grealish’s arrival has meant that Sterling now finds himself warming the bench more often than not. Having said that, he could be on his way out this winter. The former Liverpool man is in desperate need of some minutes and with the way things are at City for their 26-year-old, it does appear increasingly likely.

Cash-strapped Barcelona aren’t willing to move for a permanent deal for Sterling but are open to bringing him to the Camp Nou on loan for the second half of the season. Having said that, it is not going to be easy for the former La Liga champions.

Mirror understands that City are not in any mood of letting go of their star winger and are instead looking to tie him down on a long-term deal, with his contract set to expire in 2023. It remains unclear whether the 26-year-old wants to continue at the Eithad though nothing can be ruled out at this stage.

Manchester City are also in the reckoning for Erling Haaland’s signature next summer and his arrival could further complicate things for the Englishman. Haaland would play as an out-and-out striker in Pep Guardiola’s system and with either Grealish or Foden on the left-flank, Sterling could find himself further down the order.

It must be noted that Guardiola has started trusting Foden over Sterling and City are likely to sign a proper number nine, whether it be Haaland or not.

With his future still uncertain, Sterling has got an interesting decision to make as he could go to Barcelona and help rebuild the Spanish giants or he could stay at the Etihad and fight for his place. With the way things are going right now, however, the latter looks unlikely.