Manchester City begin contract talks with Real Madrid target

Manchester City have opened contract talks with Raheem Sterling to make him one the best paid players in the Premier League, claims The Daily Mirror.

Sterling only signed a contract extension 12 months ago but his stock has soared on and off the pitch since then.  

Real Madrid are circling in the background for the England international and City are desperate to secure the forward's long-term future.

With Leroy Sane expected to leave at the end of the season, there is an even greater need to ensure Sterling doesn't also move on in the near future.

With that, City are prepared to offer a huge advance on his current £300,000-a-week wages in order to nip Madrid's interest in the bud.

It wasn't too long ago Sterling was heavily criticised for his inability to convert good goalscoring chances but there can be no complaints of his killer instinct now.

Sterling has transformed into one of the Premier League's best goalscorers under Pep Guardiola and that has also benefitted the England national team.

The 24-year-old finished Euro 2020 qualification as England's highest WhoScored rated player and has scored 12 goals in 15 league and European appearances this season.