Manchester City Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Mega Bid Dents Arsenal Rumours

Manchester City are planning a £30 million-plus bid for Liverpool's Raheem Sterling "as soon as summer trading begins," according to John Cross of the Mirror, who believes the Englishman has become the club's "No. 1 close-season target."

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail also indicated City will be urgent with their business. He said they are readying a "mega-bid" for "the day the transfer window reopens." However, Mokbel's article suggests Liverpool value the 20-year-old at a substantial £50 million.

City are allegedly willing to let Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, Jesus Navas and Bacary Sagna leave during the summer, per Cross. This would free up a considerable sum and allow the club to operate within UEFA's financial fair play rules. Another major fine and Champions League squad limitation isn't going to help the team compete next season.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Cross' report pointed out that Sterling would add to City's quota of English players, a desire which has also seen them linked with Reds vice-captain Jordan Henderson and Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, per the Daily Mail's Charles Sale and Mokbel.

Recent stories following Sterling have suggested he turned down a £100,000 per week contract offer. Per Tom Bellwood of the MailOnline, he has been linked with Arsenal, but the youngster confirmed it's a "dream" to move abroad in an interview with the BBC (h/t Express).

Former Liverpool midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes Sterling isn't ready for such an adventure, at least not at one of the world's elite, as reported by Richard Innes of the Mirror:

"

He's too young to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona, so he needs to get his head down and have a couple of years working with a very talented manager—I'm a big fan of Brendan Rodgers—and enjoy it.

There's no reason you can't put clauses in a contract these days. If he carries on progressing and someone offers £80 million in two years that triggers a clause—fine.

"

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed how Arsenal can land the highly-rated star:

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has confirmed negotiations over a new deal won't resume until the season is over, as reported by Dominic King of the Daily Mail: "Raheem’s agent has asked that we park all discussions regarding his future until the summer. We respect that. Raheem is a Liverpool player and has two years left on his contract. We expect Raheem Sterling to be here for a long time."

Leaving discussions this late will provide potential suitors with an opportunity to firm up their interest. If City are as serious as reports suggest, they will have ample time to launch a concrete bid for the player. Whether Manuel Pellegrini remains at the club or not, City will need to land Champions League football to lure Sterling away from Anfield.

They are currently four points ahead of Liverpool after an extremely disappointing season. Sterling's game is still improving, but it's difficult to suggest he will find a club more dedicated to his development than Liverpool. News of a £100,000 per week contract offer is far beyond what the Merseyside outfit should have to pay to retain him.

Jon Super/Associated Press

We're likely to witness a major City restructuring during the summer, starting with the manager. Any new boss will be looking to stamp their authority with major signings, something Sterling would represent at this stage in his career.