Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions.
The England international has fallen down the pecking order at the Premier League club after the arrival of Jack Grealish for a club-record fee earlier on in the summer.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has now urged the player to step up and force his way into Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup or leave the club in search of regular first-team football.
As harsh as it may sound, there will always be competition for places at a top club like Manchester City where there is an insatiable hunger to succeed.
He said (via Manchester Evening News): “If he’s now in a side where his preferred position is now going to be occupied by Jack Grealish, he has one of two decisions to make. “Step up and start to do what is required of you in a position that Pep puts you in, or leave the club.”
It remains to be seen whether Sterling can recapture his peak form and establish himself as a regular starter in the coming months.
According to reports, Barcelona are keeping tabs on the winger and they could make a move to bring him to the Spanish league when the January transfer window opens.
Furthermore, Premier League rivals Arsenal are keeping close tabs on the winger’s situation at Manchester City as well.
Apparently, the Premier League champions have opened talks with the 26-year-old regarding a contract extension but discussions are progressing slowly because of the player’s financial demands and his stature in the squad right now.
A report from Daily Star, adds that Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Sterling having worked with the player during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Sterling is reportedly a top target for the North London club and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to make a move for him in the near future.
