Manchester City are set to make a statement of intent amid their UEFA troubles by opening contract talks with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, despite the pair still having three years remaining on their current deals.
City find themselves in a period of uncertainty after the club were found guilty of Financial Fair Play breaches and were slapped with a two-year ban from European competitions.
The club are challenging the ban, but it has triggered speculation that some of their biggest names could want out of the club in order to continue competing in club football's most prestigious cup competition.
De Bruyne is 28, and although he has enjoyed a glittering career, a Champions League winners medal has eluded him, thus far.
Should City's European ban be upheld, the Belgian playmaker will be 31 by the time the club can participate in the Champions League once more.
Sterling meanwhile has seen his stock sky-rocket under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, and has even been linked with a move to Real Madrid in the wake of City's Champions League ban.
However, the Citizens are determined to quell any uncertainty over the future of two of their prized assets. According to the Daily Mail, City bosses want contract negotiations to commence after their Champions League last 16 second-leg against Real Madrid.
Yes sir pic.twitter.com/2D0CvMrWo5
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) March 1, 2020
Those in charge at City see getting De Bruyne and Sterling to commit their future to the club amid the off-pitch instability as 'crucial'.
Sterling's contract is reportedly worth up to £300,000 a week with bonuses, while De Bruyne earns £280,000 a week. Both would receive a salary increase if they sign a new deal as a reward for their commitment.
City are currently in the driving seat going into the second leg of their Champions League tie at Real Madrid, with De Bruyne instrumental in a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu.
Source : 90min