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Raheem Sterling wants his move to Manchester City settled in time for the new Premier League season that starts on 8 August, with the player unwilling to be the subject of a last-minute deal before the deadline on 1 September.
Sterling, 20, is likely to be the subject of a new bid over the next few days from City of between £30 million and £35m which will test Liverpool’s stated resolve to keep the player.
City have already had a bid of £25m plus £5m add-ons rejected and after this second bid they are unlikely to go higher in the near future.
Sterling is unwilling to be part of a late deal that would destabilise his preparation for the season.
He wants to leave Liverpool but he also wants to make sure he has a solid pre-season in order that he has a good basis for the European championships in France this time next year.
Raheem Sterling contract saga: The key dates
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Arsenal are out of the bidding already. The club were interested in Sterling but now feel that City will take the transfer fee out of their comfort zone for a 20-year-old player.
Chelsea retain an interest, but do not want to spend the summer waiting for an answer.