Reports on Friday indicate that Manchester City have made a bid for Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling.
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While BBC Sport report that the initial £25 million offer has been rejected, few would be surprised if the Citizens returned to Anfield with an improved offer later in the summer.
With the England international having revealed that he will not sign a new contract at the club, and is looking to leave Merseyside, Liverpool’s position is severely weakened.
However, is Sterling the best option for City?
In this feature, we present five players who would be better—or at least better value—recruits than the wantaway forward.
Kevin de Bruyne
While Raheem Sterling managed a moderate seven assists for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, Kevin de Bruyne was influential for Wolfsburg, contributing 20 decisive passes.
He also weighed-in with 10 goals—three more than Sterling.
The former Chelsea man has been heavily linked with a return to England, and while it would take a considerable sum to snare him, City would be acquiring an exceptional central creator.
Edinson Cavani
Striker Edinson Cavani is rumoured to be seeking an exit from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Unhappy both at being played out of position in a wide role and of playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Uruguayan forward has been linked with an exit from the Parc des Princes.
The likes of Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United are believed to be interested, but City should definitely consider a player who has all the tools to thrive in the Premier League.
Roberto Firmino
Reports on Thursday indicated that Manchester United were close to securing a £13 million move for Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino.
The Hoffenheim man has reportedly been a target for the Citizens, and if the aforementioned fee is accurate, Manuel Pellegrini ought to seriously think about making a bid of his own.
Firmino contributed 10 assists in the Bundesliga last season, and also contributed seven goals—he would surely represent better value for money than Sterling.
Paul Pogba
One player who would surely cost more than Sterling is Paul Pogba, with Juventus believed to be holding out for 80 million Euros, according to Sky Sports.
While this would represent an astronomical outlay, City would be acquiring a magnificent midfield talent and a worthy successor to Yaya Toure.
However, could they stave off likely competition from giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain?
Karim Benzema
With Edin Dzeko rumoured to be leaving the club this summer, City may be in need of further offensive support.
Wilfried Bony hasn’t exactly set the world alight since moving to the Etihad Stadium, while Sergio Aguero has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Should the Argentine leave for the Bernabeu, City would do well to pick up the French international in return.
Benzema has also been tipped for a move to Old Trafford, but could City outbid their fierce local rivals and make a switch to the Etihad Stadium appeal more to the former Olympique Lyonnais hitman.