Raheem Sterling considering running his Man City contract down

Raheem Sterling is reportedly considering running down his contract at Manchester City to open up his options ahead of potentially leaving the club on a free transfer next year.

The 27-year-old's contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2023, and Sterling is yet to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

Tottenham and Arsenal are both believed to be interested in signing the winger, but Sterling is open to trying his luck abroad at some stage in his career.

As a result, he may delay a decision on his future to see whether any European clubs  make an approach for him next summer, according to The Mirror. 

It has been claimed that City would rather sell Sterling this year rather than lose him for nothing in 12 months' time, but it is the player who looks set to have the final say on his next career move. 

Sterling enjoyed a strong 2021-22 campaign at City, scoring 13 league goals as Pep Guardiola's side won their fourth title in the last five seasons.

However, with Guardiola able to call on a wealth of talent in attacking positions, Sterling was restricted to 23 top-flight starts.

He also started his side's last three games in the Champions League on the bench, and it is understood that he wants clarification about his future game-time before putting pen to paper on a new deal.

Another factor that could affect Sterling's decision-making is this year's World Cup.

He is set to play a major role in Qatar, having started all seven of England's games on their run to the European Championships final in 2021.

A change of scenery so close to a major tournament could be a risk for Sterling, and this may lead to him opting to stay at City for an eighth season, before weighing up a move away once the World Cup