Danny Sturridge is edging closer to a Manchester City exit.

The News of the World says the striker, 19, is happy to stay but City are refusing to meet his demand of around £40,000 a week.

And that will lead to a host of clubs including Chelsea, Aston Villa, Hull, Portsmouth and Blackburn battling to sign him when his contract expires in the summer.

City are prepared to cough up £20,000 a week with built-in incentives and salary reviews over the period of a four-year contract.

But Sturridge is starting to think he might make better progress elsewhere in view of City's pursuit of ready-made and highly-paid world stars.