Manchester City are reportedly confident that they will sign Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling this summer.
The future of the 20-year-old is already a long-running saga after he rejected a new contract offer from the Reds, which has prompted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.
However, City reportedly opened the bidding with an offer of £25m plus add-ons, which was swiftly rejected, and they intend to submit a second bid this week, according to The Telegraph.
The paper claims that City will be unchallenged in their attempts to the sign the player, as he has set his heart on a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool are said to want around £50m, but, although City are prepared to substantially increase their bid, they will not go near that figure.
Sterling helped England to a 3-2 win over Slovenia in the final game of the season yesterday.
Charlie Bennett
