Man City transfer news: Real Madrid set to swoop for Raheem Sterling

Real Madrid are ready to launch what The Sun describes as “a stunning raid on Manchester City” with a £70m offer for Raheem Sterling. What’s more, the Spanish giants will throw in Gareth Bale in the hope that will persuade the Sky Blues to part with the England striker.

According to The Sun, Real have earmarked Sterling “as their next potential big-name signing” and they hope to turn his head with their lucrative offer.

Sterling to be scouted

The news, also carried by Sky Sports, suggests that Real will send their scouts to watch Sterling in action for England later this month and an offer could be tabled during the January transfer window.

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Apparently coach Zinedine Zidane is an ardent admirer of the 24-year-old Sterling, and the fact that he’s not the biggest fan of Bale is no secret in Spain. There were reports that the Frenchman had hoped to offload the 30-year-old Bale last summer but if so he failed.

However, the Daily Star says that City have rejected as “absurd” any idea that they could be ready to see Sterling head to Real Madrid. But it could be that Real’s strategy is to unsettle Sterling and it’s rumoured that his representatives met Real bosses over the summer and “were told the winger has an interest in moving later in his career”.

Spanish reaction

That might be why City are allegedly putting together a package that they hope will secure Sterling’s loyalty to the tune of £450,000-a-week.

But could it all just be 'fake news'? Spanish media have reacted to the reports by claiming Real sources say there is “nothing at all” in the speculation, while journalist José Luis Sanchez claims that Gareth Bale’s entourage have “categorically denied” the rumours.