Barcelona ‘ask Sterling to slash pay to join in loan transfer as they can’t even afford HALF his £300k-a-week wages’

BARCELONA reportedly hope to secure a January loan move for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling but are being constrained by their financial situation. The Catalans have been linked to Sterling, 26, for several weeks. And speculation has only intensified since Xavi, known to be a fan of Sterling, took over last week. Sterling is understood […]

BARCELONA reportedly hope to secure a January loan move for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling but are being constrained by their financial situation.

The Catalans have been linked to Sterling, 26, for several weeks.

Reuters

Raheem Sterling is open to moving to Barcelona[/caption]

And speculation has only intensified since Xavi, known to be a fan of Sterling, took over last week.

Sterling is understood to be interested in a move to the Nou Camp, with the England winger keen to test himself abroad at some point.

But he will only be able to make a switch if City continue to pay half of his £300k-a-week wages, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

However, even paying £150k-a-week places a significant burden on Barcelona’s finances.

It would prevent Xavi from making any other signings beyond the free transfer for former team-mate Dani Alves – who will reportedly be paid just €1 a month.

That means the club could ask Sterling to reduce his wage, with the rest of his salary being paid in bonuses.

 

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While Barca are also unable to commit to a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy as they would need to offload high earners like Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti before making signings.

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is also being targeted on loan as Xavi looks to rebuild a forward line that was decimated by departures last summer.

Barcelona were previously linked with another City star, Ferran Torres, having had a transfer bid for the Spaniard rejected in the summer.

And Xavi would also like to bring former Barca star Thiago – now at Liverpool – back to the club, but it seems he may not have the funds at his disposal to match his ambitions.

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