There's been no stopping Raheem Sterling in recent seasons. 

The England international scored 48 goals in his first two campaigns under Pep Guardiola and already has eight in 11 games this season for his club. 

On top of that, his performances for England have been equally stellar with a tally of eight goals so far in Euro 2020 qualifiers. 

The inevitable by-product of the 24-year-old's ever-risings stock is that he has long been attracting the attention of Europe's top clubs. 

Real Madrid have consigned themselves to only one Galactico signing each summer, with Eden Hazard taking that title in the most recent transfer window. 

However, it seems Sterling remains a long-term target - albeit one who would reportedly cost in excess of £200million. 

The Athletic were the first to report that Sterling's representatives were invited to speak to Jose Angel Sanchez in the summer. 

FENDING OFF MADRID

City are therefore preparing to make a pre-emptive strike to tie him down before he can be tempted to the Bernabeu. 

According to the Express, the Premier League champions are set to offer him a new deal worth £450,000-a-week - the equivalent of £23.4million-a-year. 

That would make him the highest-paid player in England, surpassing City teammate Kevin de Bruyne.

THE PL'S HIGHEST-PAID PLAYERS

De Bruyne currently boasts the title of the biggest earner in the top flight, raking in around £16.68m a year. 

Behind him sit Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba (£16.38m) and Mesut Ozil (£13.97m). 

The current top 10 earners looks like this, taking into account Alexis Sanchez being on loan at Inter Milan.

Kevin de Bruyne (£16.68m)
Paul Pogba (£16.38m)
Mesut Ozil (£13.97m)
Anthony Martial (£13m)
Marcus Rashford (£12m)
Mohamed Salah (£10.4m)
David de Gea (£10.4m)
Harry Kane (£10.4m)
Alexandre Lacazette (£9.46m)
Roberto Firmino (£9.35m)

Sterling is thriving under Guardiola, but City won't be taking any chances should Madrid come calling.