Manchester City confident they can prise Raheem Sterling away from Liverpool

Manchester City are confident that they can sign Raheem Sterling from Liverpool by offering him a massive hike on his weekly wages, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 2013/14 Champions are looking to boost their homegrown contingent after being sanctioned by the FA for lack of English players in the squad in the current season. City are planning to offer Sterling £200,000 a week to prise him away from Anfield, after he refused to sign an extension owing to an ostensibly mediocre offer from the management.

Sterling has been among Liverpool's standout players this season in what has been a disappointing season for Brendan Rodgers' side. Fans had massive expectations from the Reds this season, having finished last season in second spot, only two points behind the eventual Champions City.

However, Luis Suarez's departure has taken the team into a free fall, massively depleting their goal count and new signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert have failed to add any value to the squad, which has also been without Daniel Sturridge through injury for a major part of the campaign.

With Sterling also looking to leave and the Reds set to miss out on Champions League football yet again this season, it will be difficult for the northern Irishman to attract quality signings to Merseyside, having already been snubbed by Alexis Sanchez in the summer. The Chilean transferred to Arsenal instead and has helped keep them in the race for a top two spot and take them to a second consecutive FA Cup final.

Meanwhile, City are keeping tabs on the transfer situation unfolding at Arsenal behind Jack Wilshere, who has been linked with a move out of the club, facilitated by the massive competition for places in his position. However, Arsene Wenger has denied any interest and stressed that the Gunners will not part with their top talents.