Transfer Talk: Europe's elite prepare their Sterling as Raheem eyes City exit

Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move away from Manchester City — and clubs across Europe are queueing up for his signature. 

The winger has just one year left on his contract at the Etihad and does not appear to be a key part of Pep Guardiola's plans for the future. 

So it is perhaps unsurprising that the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for the Citizens star. 

Ahead of England's clash with Germany tonight, we take a look at where Sterling could end up next season.

Sterling's value

Despite not featuring as regularly as he would have liked, Sterling still managed to find the net 13 times in the Premier League last term — inside the division's top 10 players. 

The forward's outstanding movement means he frequently finds himself in dangerous positions, as his 25 big chances across the campaign suggests.

The City star also provided five assists, including the cross for Ilkay Gundogan's header in the final game of the season against Aston Villa, which sparked a remarkable 3-2 comeback victory.

Running at his man

Sterling's pace is well-documented, with the England international using it to good effect to frequently beat his man. 

He attempted 112 take-ons in the Premier League last season, completing an impressive 53. 

The 27-year-old also runs at opponents when City do not have the ball, regaining possession in the attacking third 26 times for his side in 2021-22.

Spain switch

A move to Spain could be on the cards for Sterling, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all reportedly interested. 

Los Blancos are thought to be leading the race after missing out on Kylian Mbappe and view the Citizens' No7 as a viable alternative. 

Sterling is also being viewed as a potential replacement for Ousmane Dembele at Barca while Atletico are keeping a close eye on his contract situation.

English admirers

It is still entirely possible Sterling could remain in England when the summer transfer window closes. 

Even if he does not agree fresh terms with City, Chelsea are believed to be keen on securing the attacker's signature. 

Having grown up in London and spent seven years in QPR's youth ranks, a return to the capital could prove appealing to Sterling. 

Arsenal and Tottenham have also been linked, though it is unclear how concrete the reported interest is from any of the Premier League parties.

Bundesliga bound?

Alternatively, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are rumoured to be admirers of Sterling. 

The German giants have also been heavily linked with a move for Liverpool's Sadio Mane — but with both Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry potentially on the move this summer, the Bavarians could be in the market for more than one new forward. 

Given the success that fellow England winger Jadon Sancho enjoyed in the Bundesliga, Sterling could view a move to Germany as the perfect opportunity to boost his form ahead of this winter's World Cup.