Tottenham Hotspur target Raheem Sterling would be ‘an exciting signing’ in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Antonio Conte’s charges have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in recent weeks after he appears to have slipped down the pecking order at Manchester City.
What is the latest news involving Sterling?
According to The Telegraph, Spurs’ local rivals Arsenal are ‘ready to explore’ a move for Sterling when the market reopens for business.
The England international’s current contract is set to expire in just over a year’s time, but he’s said to have shelved talks over a new deal in order to concentrate on his side's title defence.
However, the Gunners are not the only interested party in Sterling, with CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs revealing to Football.London that Tottenham are in fact leading the charge.
“Sterling is an interesting one because I do think that the door is open for Sterling to leave Manchester City,” said Jacobs.
"I think there will be almost a North London Derby-style pursuit for Sterling. From what I gather, should he leave Manchester City, Tottenham are ahead of Arsenal in that particular pursuit.”
What has O’Rourke said about Sterling?
It’s set to be a decisive few months for Sterling, who will surely put pen to paper on fresh terms with City or depart the Etihad Stadium.
But O’Rourke can’t see the immensely talented star joining Spurs, revealing he would be ‘very surprised’ if the capital club break their wage structure for him.
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“That'd be an exciting signing to make. I can't see it happening myself. I'd be very surprised if Spurs could get near Raheem Sterling's wages right now.
“I don't think they will break their wage structure for that one; to bring Sterling to the club either.”
Would Sterling be a good signing?
Sterling, who is valued at £76.5m by Transfermarkt, has established himself as one of the Premier League's top attackers throughout an illustrious career.
Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith previously described the winger as “unplayable”, and it’s not hard to understand why.
In 338 appearances for City, Sterling has registered 131 goals and 94 appearances, claiming three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups along the way.
His potential partnership with compatriot Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Dejan Kulusevski is one that would surely scare any defence, yet it remains to be seen if he will be a Tottenham player next term.