Manchester City are willing to include Raheem Sterling in their offer for Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez.

The Mirror says there has now been direct contact between the clubs - and City have made the shock offer involving Sterling.

England star Sterling has started the season well, scoring the winner at Bournemouth and equaliser against Everton.

But this will be a major surprise for Sterling as City look to shake up their squad and pull off a major deal.

City believe a player-plus-cash deal is the only way that Arsenal may be tempted to sell Sanchez.

Arsenal may only be tempted by around £70m but City have not offered that in straight cash.