Man City need a Raheem Sterling solution before Erling Haaland transfer pursuit

Raheem Sterling's hat-trick against Norwich City on Saturday capped what has been an incredible turnaround for the England international this campaign.

Between August and October, Sterling's struggles in front of goal saw him losing his starting place. What a difference a few months make.

Since November he has become undroppable. In 16 appearances, Sterling has scored 11 goals. It's now unthinkable not to play him if fit.

Yet at the beginning of that month, Manchester Evening News reported on Barcelona's interest in the forward and it seemed like it might be time to let the 27-year-old chase new goals.

His resurgence in form is undoubtedly a huge positive for Pep Guardiola but it is sure to give him a huge headache when looking at his summer plans.

City, using a strikerless system, have scored 61 goals in the Premier League - only Liverpool look like bettering that tally once they have played their games in hand.

Along with Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden have all pitched in with goals. Does such a line-up need Haaland?

Well, every club in the world would be improved by a Haaland, but if it ain't broke... then don't fix it. Why change a formula that is working so well.

The Norwegian is a big character and will want to play week in, week out no matter what - he would have to get used to the famous Pep Roulette - and would command substantial transfer and agents' fees.

Would Guardiola feel inclined to abandon his system for such a high-profile arrival, risk upsetting the apple cart?

It is a risk, albeit seemingly minute, that he may end up wasting City valuable money.

In truth, I can only see Haaland signing should one of the aforementioned forward players depart. Sterling could be