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Real Madrid, Barcelona 'step up Raheem Sterling pursuit'

Real Madrid, Barcelona 'step up Raheem Sterling pursuit'
© Reuters
Real Madrid and Barcelona both step up their interest in Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling, according to a report.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both reportedly stepped up their interest in Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old was again a regular for the Citizens during the 2021-22 campaign, making 47 appearances in all competitions, contributing 17 goals and nine assists in the process.

Sterling only featured from the first whistle in five Champions League matches during the recent campaign, though, and he did not start either of his side's last two Premier League games of the season against West Ham United and Aston Villa despite their importance.

The England international only has a little over 12 months left to run on his contract at Etihad Stadium, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future in recent weeks.

Chelsea are believed to be showing an interest in the attacker, who moved to Man City from Liverpool in July 2015.

Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus celebrates with Raheem Sterling after scoring their fourth goal to complete his hat-trick on April 23, 2022© Reuters

However, according to the Daily Mail, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are considering making offers to sign him during this summer's transfer window.

Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also believed to be showing an interest in the former Queens Park Rangers youngster, with Man City seemingly facing a battle to keep hold of him.

Sterling is allegedly not prepared to discuss his future until the middle of June, once England have played in their upcoming set of UEFA Nations League fixtures.

However, the attacker knows that he will need regular football in the first half of next season to ensure that he keeps his starting role for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.

Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez celebrates scoring their first goal with Raheem Sterling on February 9, 2022© Reuters

Sterling has scored 131 goals and registered 95 assists in 339 appearances for Man City since making the move to the club seven years ago.

The forward has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four League Cups during his time in Manchester, in addition to reaching the 2020-21 Champions League final.

Real Madrid are searching for a new attacker this summer after missing out on a deal for Kylian Mbappe, who ultimately signed a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

There is also money to spend at Barcelona despite their financial problems, and there are suggestions that Sterling could be targeted if the Catalan outfit miss out on leading target Robert Lewandowski.

Man City's attack next season will be boosted by the arrival of Erling Braut Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, but Gabriel Jesus could potentially be leaving this summer in search of pastures new.

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Raheem Sterling in action for Manchester City in December 2021
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