Manchester City are set to further flex their financial power in the transfer market by launching a bid for highly-rated Wolfsburg playmaker Kevin De Bruyne – once they complete the signing of Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling.
The 2014-15 Premier League runners-up are yet to make a significant addition to their squad this summer, but that looks set to change as they are expected to announce the capture of Sterling from the Reds on Tuesday, provided the player passes a medical and agrees personal terms.
After having two bids rejected by the Merseyside outfit earlier in the summer [via BBC Sport], City finally reached an agreement with their league rivals for the signing of the winger on Sunday evening – in a deal that could rise to £49 million [via BBC Sport].
Manuel Pellegrini’s side have been the only club in the running for Sterling’s signature, as Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed he was never interested in the player due to the number of options he has at his disposal at the Emirates Stadium [via Sky Sports].
Meanwhile, reigning champions of England Chelsea were interested in the 20-year-old, but were not prepared to bid more than £40million [via Sky Sports] – leaving City as clear favourites to complete a deal for the England international.
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Once a deal is complete for Sterling, the Etihad Stadium outfit are expected to press ahead with plans to sign former Blues star De Bruyne, despite the fact that his club have opened talks over a contract extension.
Mail Sport claims City are prepared to offer £40 million for the 24-year-old, who registered an amazing 20 assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances last season.
They could face competition from Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain for the Belgian international’s signature, however, as they reportedly view the player as an alternative to Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria, according to the English newspaper.