Manchester City want a straight cash deal for Raheem Sterling, it has been revealed.

The England midfielder is a target for Barcelona and has spoken openly about ambitions of playing abroad after struggling for minutes this season.

An initial loan offer is being prepared by Barca, but Italian transfer expert Gianni di Marzio told Wett Freunde: "Does Sterling want to leave Manchester City? He struggled with Guardiola last year and they struggled at the end of last season.

"Will he join Barça? It depends on the financial situation with Barcelona this summer. We'll see if Barcelona will make a cash payment deal.

"A return to Liverpool? I do not believe it. Liverpool want young players who can become stars. In addition to this position they have (Mohamed) Salah and (Sadio) Mane and need to strengthen themselves in other positions. They don't have central defenders or a lot of young midfielders. They also have a lot of interesting young attacking players, in their team and in their academy."