Manchester City 'to begin talks with Raheem Sterling over new deal'

Manchester City are reportedly prepared to make Raheem Sterling one of their highest-paid players in an attempt to tie the winger down to a new long-term contract.

The Citizens are expected to open preliminary talks with the England international at the start of next month and hope to reach a swift agreement.

Sterling has emerged as a key player for City this term, netting 18 goals in all competitions - his best-every tally for a single campaign - to help his side remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple.

According to The Guardian, Sterling is about to be rewarded with a bumper new deal, adding at least £50,000 to his current £170,000-a-week wages.

The former Liverpool ace, who will also pocket around £30,000 a week in incentives, is currently under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2020.