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Raheem Sterling fears World Cup performances could cost him improved contract at Man City

Raheem Sterling England - Anadolu
Raheem Sterling England - Anadolu

Raheem Sterling fears his chances of earning a new deal at Manchester City which would see him become one of the highest paid players in the Premier League have receded following his performances at the World Cup this summer.

Sterling’s advisors began discussions with City officials at the end of last season but decided to continue talks once the tournament in Russia had finished with the hope that an electric showing from the 24 year-old would give them leverage to push his weekly pay packet from £170,000 into the region of £250,000.

They believe he should be one of the top earners at the club alongside striker Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne , the Belgian international.

Yet Sterling was influential without being outstanding during Gareth Southgate’s surprise run to the semi-finals which could sway City’s thinking.

The former Liverpool forward has two years left on his current contract but manager Pep Guardiola, having seen the problems inflicted on Arsenal when Alexis Sanchez was allowed to enter the final year of his agreement, is adamant he will not be allowed to run down his deal with the Premier League Champions.

England squad player ratings for the entire World Cup 2018
England squad player ratings for the entire World Cup 2018

The Spaniard is understood to be relaxed about the situation but will push for a resolution over the next few weeks.

Guardiola, meanwhile, won't be pursuing any more midfielders this summer having signed Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City for £60 million before missing out on Italian international Jorginho who went to Chelsea.

There will also be no moves for Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara or Miralem Pjanic, the Juventus and Bosnia, midfielder.

City’s first match of this pre-season takes places at Chicago’s Soldier Field in the early hours of Saturday morning before encounters next week against Liverpool and Bayern Munich.