Transfer Talk: Five possible destinations for wantaway Sterling

Raheem Sterling has revealed he is open to leaving Manchester City.

The 26-year-old has been deprived of game time this term by club boss Pep Guardiola, making only one start for the Premier League champions ahead of this weekend despite his heroics for England this summer.

And the winger has added further fuel to the fire this week, admitting when speaking at the FT Business of Sport US summit: "If there was the opportunity to go somewhere else, I would be open to it."

In the wake of that revelation, we pick out five potential destinations for Sterling as speculation over his future continues to grow.

Barcelona

Helping lift Barcelona back to the top after a disastrous start to the post-Lionel Messi era would no doubt be a job Sterling would happily take on.

The 26-year-old has indicated he is willing to move abroad in his bid to secure first-team football, too.

He said: "I have always had something that maybe one day I would love to play abroad and see how I meet that challenge."

However, such is the crisis the Catalan side find themselves in, whether they can afford the City man is another question entirely.

A potential loan move in January ahead of a permanent switch in the summer has been earmarked — and that could well suit all parties.

Real Madrid

A switch to Real Madrid is a similarly attractive prospect, and Los Blancos appear in a slightly less perilous position than their bitter rivals after a positive start this season. 

He has been linked with a move to the Bernabeu in the past, openly refusing to rule out a move there in the future before a clash against Real.

Just like Barca, Real are waiting for a new star to stand up and lead their new generation, with Karim Benzema reaching the twilight of his career and Eden Hazard struggling since his big-money move from Chelsea.

Unfortunately for Sterling, though, that star looks set to be Kylian Mbappe, who was close to joining during the last transfer window and looks nailed on to join next summer when his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires.

With the LaLiga giants also in a difficult financial situation, it is unlikely they could afford to bring in both players.

Arsenal

Sterling could opt to stay in England, and Arsenal ­— a team who have tried to sign him on several occasions before ­— could be the ideal choice.

In 2017, Sterling was included in City’s failed attempt to sign then Gunners forward Alexis Sanchez, and the London-born star was believed to be willing to move at the time.

What is more, manager Mikel Arteta worked with Sterling while assistant at City and the pair are said to have an excellent relationship.

Sterling wants assurances of first-team football and he would no doubt get that at the Emirates.

Arteta, meanwhile, is looking to blood a young side — but Sterling brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record that would prove hugely valuable to the Gunners.

Juventus

Sterling could follow in England team-mate Tammy Abraham's footsteps by moving to Italy to reignite his career.

It has so far proved a masterstroke for Abraham with his impressive early form for Roma earning him a Three Lions recall to the latest squad, and a Juventus switch could have a similar impact for Sterling.

The winger is still currently a starter for England after starring at Euro 2020, but a continued lack of playing time could make it hard for Gareth Southgate to justify selecting him going forward.

The Old Lady were reportedly in the race to sign the attacker while was he was still at Liverpool before City snapped him up.

They have now returned to the conversation, as manager Massimiliano Allegri looks to rebuild following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.

Newcastle

Newcastle’s newly-established financial power following their £300m Saudi-led takeover means they have been linked with several big-name stars.

The Magpies will want to signal their ambition with a marquee first signing and luring a three-time Premier League winner to Tyneside would do just that.

Rio Ferdinand recently talked up the move, telling his YouTube channel: “I’d be going to try and make a mad couple of signings. Like huge, that I think would be gettable. 

"Raheem Sterling’s not playing regularly, I’d go and ask him the question."

He would no doubt be the main man at St James' Park if he were to make a move ­— but with Newcastle unlikely to immediately start challenging at the top, he may prefer to hold off on that project for now.