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Xavi And Barcelona Could Enter The Race For Raheem Sterling Who "Wants To Leave" Man City

Xavi And Barcelona Could Enter The Race For Raheem Sterling Who "Wants To Leave" Man City

The England winger has been a peripheral figure under Pep Guardiola this season, possibly opening the door for a January exit.

Tom Fenton

Tom Fenton

Raheem Sterling reportedly want to leave Manchester City, as the winger continues to find himself on the fringes of Pep Guardiola's squad.

It's been a tough campaign so far for the 26-year-old, who has just two goals to his name in all competitions.

Following the arrival of Jack Grealish for £100m in the summer, Sterling has generally been unable to start in his favoured position on the left side.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo now claim that Sterling "wants to leave" City due to a lack of time on the pitch under Guardiola, but that his high salary and the club's reluctance to let him depart could complicate matters.

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PA

Barcelona have been linked with the forward for several months, with the La Liga giants in need of attacking reinforcements after the departure of Lionel Messi and Antoine Greizmann in the summer.

This need has become even more acute in recent weeks after news of Sergio Aguero's cardiac issue emerged in the press - which has ruled the Argentine out of action for the next few months.

It's unclear whether new Barca manager Xavi would be willing to follow through on the club's interest by launching a bid in the near future.

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PA

The legendary midfielder was unveiled as their new head coach earlier this week, with his first job being to try and turn Barcelona's fortunes around - who currently sit 10th in La Liga.

If Sterling does push for a move away from the Etihad, it'll be fascinating to see how City react, who have restricted the player to just six starts in all competitions, with three of those being in the Premier League.

Regarding his number 7, Guardiola recently claimed that he still wants the very best for the player, amid rumours of a falling out between the pair.

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PA

"I know Raheem Sterling. I'm so happy for him, for his goal and for his performance," Guardiola said.

"I expect the best from my players, we play for our people, I expect the best, I want more from all of them.

"From staff to backroom staff, I want the best. If it doesn't go well we have a problem."

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Topics: Xavi, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Premier League, Raheem Sterling