Manchester City will reportedly only sell Raheem Sterling once they have signed a like-for-like replacement.

Having dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, it appears increasingly likely that the England international will not extend his contract past 2023.

Keen to maximise Sterling's valuation, City are now in a position where they are expected to consider the sale of the 26-year-old during the next two transfer windows.

However, according to reports in Spain, interested clubs will make no progress in their bid to sign Sterling until City have brought in an alternative.

As it stands, it is unclear whether Pep Guardiola will be open to making such a high-profile switch at the midway point of the campaign.

Liverpool and Barcelona are allegedly among the clubs who would consider a move for Sterling.