Sterling will not be used as a makeweight for Man City's Kane deal

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:47 CDT

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has no interest in being used as a makeweight in any potential deal to sign Tottenham star Harry Kane.

Sterling has enjoyed huge success at the Etihad since moving from Liverpool in the summer of 2015, winning three Premier League titles and one FA Cup.

READ MORE: Why England hero Sterling needs a good Euros to save his Man City career

However, his form in front of goal in 2020/21 took a nosedive compared to his previous campaigns with the club as he scored just 10 Premier League goals - half of what he managed in 2019/20.

Kane, meanwhile, continues to smash in the goals for Tottenham even if, again, he has nothing to show for his efforts.

The England international claimed the third Golden Boot of his career in 2020/21 but his individual achievements are not matched by those of Spurs, as Kane is yet to win a major trophy with the club or in his entire career.

At the conclusion of the season, he formally asked to leave the club, citing a desire to play in the biggest tournaments and matches possible, such as in the Champions League which Tottenham failed to qualify for again.

That led to instant links with Man City and Manchester United in particular, both of whom could be on the lookout for a new striker in the summer transfer window.

City, especially, will need to recruit someone for that position after Sergio Aguero was allowed to leave on a free transfer to Barcelona.

Man Utd have extended the contract of Edinson Cavani for another year, but would still be interested in recruiting Kane if the price was right.

No North London move for Sterling

Should Tottenham decide to grant Kane his wish and let him leave, it will only be for a transfer fee in excess of £120 million.

His contract has another three years left to run so Spurs are in a strong negotiating position, even if the player himself wants to leave.

Even though Man City have strong spending power, there have been rumours circulating that they could attempt to bring the price down by offering Sterling as part of the deal.

However, according to the Telegraph, Sterling does not want to leave for Tottenham and will reportedly speak to Man City about a new contract after the European Championships.

Arsenal, too, are mentioned as having an interest in the 26-year-old, but would likely be unable to afford the salary he enjoys at Man City.