Insight Provided Into Relationship Between Raheem Sterling And Pep Guardiola Ahead Of Manchester City Talks

Raheem Sterling is yet to make a firm decision on his future and maintains a respectful relationship with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, as per a new report.

The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his current contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

Chelsea have registered a strong interest in the England international, who is looking for assurances over regular first-team minutes next season ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Raheem Sterling has a big decision to make this summer (Image: Alamy)

It is believed Sterling is set to hold official talks over his future with City following his return from international duty and would like to sort his club future out in the coming weeks.

Sterling lost his place in Manchester City's starting XI towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign and was often left on the bench by Pep Guardiola in his side's league and Champions League run-in.

Last term, the former Liverpool man was out of favour in the opening months of the season and expressed a desire to leave on a short-term loan for minutes.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling (Image: Alamy)

However, Sterling was soon back in form following his return to the lineup and despite producing impressive attacking numbers over the course of the season, he was in and out of the starting XI for a large chunk of the campaign.

With Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez already in through the door at Manchester City, it remains to be seen what the immediate future holds for Raheem Sterling, who could either leave this summer or see his contract out and depart on a free in 2023.

It is worth noting talks over a renewal have not progressed between the England forward and the Premier League champions, who have set a reported £60 million asking price for the boy from Brent.

Raheem Sterling for Manchester City against Norwich City (Image: Alamy)

As per a new report by Simon Stone of BBC, sources close to the Manchester City star have revealed he is yet to hold concrete talks with anyone over his future.

It has been stated Sterling is yet to make up his mind on where his future lies as he approaches the prime of his career, with competition for places at the Etihad Stadium set to be stronger than ever.

Moreover, Sterling has not had a falling out with Pep Guardiola and appreciates he has learnt a lot under the Catalan since the latter's arrival to Manchester in 2016.

Manchester City forwards Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus (Image: Alamy)

Chelsea have recently emerged as a likely destination for Sterling should he seek a move away from Manchester City this summer.

The west Londoners are searching for fresh attacking options after an underwhelming campaign and have also targeted Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele.

Gabriel Jesus was also reported to be on Chelsea's radar though it appears the Brazilian is edging closer to a move to Arsenal.

The coming few weeks could prove to be vital in determining where Raheem Sterling will play next season, as all parties would like his future cleared before Manchester City jet off to the United States for pre-season in July.