Raheem Sterling's Decision Date On Manchester City Future Confirmed By Second Source

It is now under a month until Manchester City are back in action and the new Premier League season is ticking ever closer.

They begin their preparations with a pre-season tour to the United States, where they take on Club América and Bayern Munich in some friendlies before flying back to Manchester.

An unusual trip to the King Power Stadium will follow to take on Liverpool in the Community Shield - the annual curtain raiser to the season.

Then City's Premier League title defence will begin with a tricky clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium, as the season fully kicks into gear.

Before all of that, however, the club still have a lot of transfer business to conclude - both coming in and going out.

Raheem Sterling has scored 131 goals for Manchester City (Christian Bertrand / Alamy)

The Blues have already securing the stellar signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for the relatively small fee of £51 million, but there is more expected through the Etihad Stadium doors.

Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips is the prime candidate to replace Fernandinho in midfield, while Brighton's Marc Cucurella is expected to reinforce the full-back options.

Gabriel Jesus is the major exit expected from City this summer, with Arsenal reportedly close to striking a deal that sees him reunite with former Blues colleague and now Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta.

However, Raheem Sterling is another name heavily linked with a move away from the club, as the England international has only 12 months left on his current contract.

The 27-year-old wants regular football and - despite making over 300 appearances for the club - it is something he is not guaranteed under Pep Guardiola.

Just two days ago, a report revealed Sterling is expected to make a decision on his next steps before the club reconvenes for pre-season.

This has now been confirmed by Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, who says he is nearing a decision on where he will be playing his football in the future.

Raheem Sterling has played a big part in Manchester City's success (Mark Pain / Alamy)

It also points out Sterling has already had conversations with City regarding a new contract, but Guardiola has admitted he cannot guarantee the player a starting birth every week and has left the final decision with the player himself.

Chelsea do hold a keen interest and see him as a signature signing under the new ownership, but there has still been no approach to establish them as clear frontrunners.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the past, but, again, there has been no approach made to prize the star winger away from East Manchester.

Understandably, this decision is the biggest in Sterling's career.

As he approaches his peak, the dynamic forward will want to be competing at the highest level every week, so will be assessing his options very carefully.

Despite seven glorious years at the club, it may be the case we're bidding a fond farewell to yet another City icon in the near future.