Pep Guardiola has already identified two players who can replace Raheem Sterling at Man City

23.06.2022 - 09:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has already identified two players who could replace Raheem Sterling should he decide to leave this summer.

Guardiola is expecting to discover where Sterling's future lies before the Blues' pre-season tour gets underway next month. Thomas Tuchel is thought to be a big admirer of the Englishman and he is looking to fill the gap left by Romelu Lukaku after the Belgian was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan this summer.

The 27-year-old has played a big role in City's success since joining from Liverpool and has won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and an FA Cup during his time in Manchester. However, should he choose to leave the Etihad, Guardiola has already named two players who could fill the gap he will leave.

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Speaking in April last year, Guardiola said: "The trust with Raheem is intact. It is the same as when we arrived here.

"[The only reason] why he has played less is because there is Gabriel [Jesus] sometimes or especially Phil [Foden] or Riyad [Mahrez] and they are at a top level. [They are] scoring goals and being decisive in the final third.

"He has to have confidence. He has the confidence of all of us, he has to have it.

"Because the quality is there. I cannot give the players confidence.

"They have to have it for themselves, but 'Rash' has a lot of experience." He added: "I have said many times what we have done over these incredible years, with the amount of titles, breaking records in the process… Raheem is key.

"He was a key player and is a key player. But in this moment, Phil is playing really well and Riyad is playing really well."

Jesus, who Guardiola named as being above