World Cup means Man City must wait for crunch contract talks with players

Manchester City like to do their business early in the transfer window, and they have acted quickly this year. Julian Alvarez heads to the Etihad in July aiming to earn his spot in Pep Guardiola's squad, and an agreement has already been reached to bring in Erling Haaland from Dortmund.

Pep Guardiola's attacking options have already been bolstered, but there are also key questions to be asked of three forwards in the existing squad. Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling all have just 12 months remaining on their current deals and decisions will be needed on all three this summer.

City have a policy that means any contract decisions are largely put on hold in the final months of the season, with the thinking being that players (and the manager) need to be absolutely focused on the immediate task in hand of winning the trophies that they are in contention for. That's why Guardiola has batted off all questions about his future, and why the Blues have imminent decisions needed on three key attackers.

Also read: Rodri gives positive update on new Man City contract after best season

As far as the trio are concerned, they will help decide their own future. Haaland incoming and likely Alvarez too means that at least one will have to go if they want more game time. Yet each player is in their own situation and will decide for themselves which challenge they want.

City must also abide by the timeframes of the players, and as far as Sterling and Jesus are concerned that means waiting for them to return from both their holidays and from international duty. Sterling will surely be prominent in Gareth Southgate's plans for Qatar in December but Jesus still has plenty to prove to earn a spot in the Brazil squad.

Both players