Barcelona may not make a January approach for Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling unless Ousmane Dembele leaves or refuses to sign a new deal, Sport claims.
The Catalan giants attempted to sign the England international during the final weeks of the summer transfer window, but they could not finalise a deal before the deadline.
Sterling is reportedly eager to join the club at the turn of the year, but a deal may not be straightforward with the Blaugrana’s tight financial situation at present.
The club have been unsuccessful in renewing Dembele’s contract that expires next summer, and there is a possibility that he could leave in January.
If Dembele continues his contract stand-off, the Blaugrana are likely to propose a loan deal for Sterling in January with an obligation to buy next season.
Sterling was denied a potential move to Camp Nou over the summer, but it is now claimed that manager Pep Guardiola would not mind him leaving.
Our view:
Sterling’s playing time was reduced during the back end of last season. Phil Foden was regularly picked ahead of him in European games until his surprise start in the final.
His situation has not improved this term. He has been out of contention for a starting role in the Premier League after the record signing of Jack Grealish.
The former Liverpool man has made just two league starts, with Grealish considered the regular choice on the left wing.
Sterling has led the line in the past with success, but Guardiola has hardly played him there with Foden, Grealish and Ferran Torres getting the nod over him for the role.
It appears the right time for Sterling to leave. The Cityzens could be willing to cash in on his services with him entering the final 18 months of his contract.
The €90 million-rated star had a solid understanding with Sergio Aguero for many years. A reunion could bring the best out of both players, who will be familiar with each other’s style of play.
Aguero has not played a single minute for the Blaugrana since his summer move following a calf problem, but he is likely to make a comeback in the next few weeks.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Read: Inter Milan consider Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette as a potential January target.
