Man City brace themselves as Madrid eye Sterling move

The funny thing about the major international tournaments is the players who shine the most are almost always not the ones you expect. 

While the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappe fell flat and failed to make their mark, other talents such as Patrick Schick have taken the tournament by storm.

The hopes and greatest desires of a player’s nation can weigh heavily on the shoulders of players; crushing them into the ground while the game passes them by like a river around a rock.

However, there are also instances where the national jersey galvanises a player who perhaps may have been held back by their clubs, leading them to star on the biggest stage and redeem themselves and their reputation.

Raheem Sterling is the perfect example and, according to The Athletic, Real Madrid have become interested in the former Liverpool man’s services.

Sterling has been one of Gareth Southgate’s most important players this Euro 2020.

Before the tournament, Sterling had played second fiddle to England colleague Phil Foden at City last term and, if you asked any English fan who they would have in their starting XI, very few would have started the 26-year-old.

However, Sterling has scored three goals in five Euro 2020 matches, including the opener in England’s historic Round of 16 victory against Germany.

Whispers before the tournament suggested Sterling’s days on the blue side of Manchester were numbered, and there were even rumours he was going to be offered to Spurs as part of a deal for Harry Kane.

Although City might be having second thoughts about that, The Athletic claims their forward could be open to offers himself having spent nearly seven years at the Etihad Stadium, where he has won three Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup.