Manchester City launched their summer spending spree with an opening bid of £30million for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.
The offer was instantly rejected by the Anfield club, who are known to value the 20-year-old at closer to £60m. City are expected to return with an improved bid but are reluctant to meet Liverpool’s valuation.
However, the Merseysiders will no doubt refer City to the words of their manager Manuel Pellegrini, who told Sportsmail in March: ‘Can you get Raheem Sterling? Maybe if you go to Liverpool with £100m you can.’
Sterling has refused to sign a new contract at Liverpool and his agent Aidy Ward has made it clear the England international has no intention of staying.
City made their approach earlier this week, with a package of £25m up front and £5m in add-ons.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard this week called on Sterling to commit himself to Liverpool and fulfil his potential at Anfield rather than risk becoming a squad player at City or another big club.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has vowed to spend big this summer with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Wolfsburg’s Kevin de Bruyne also high on their wishlist.
‘We’re a club players want to play for,’ said Al Mubarak. ‘We had to pay big premiums for players when we weren’t in Europe. We’re in a different position. We’re an institution today.’ – Daily Mail