Barcelona continues to show their transfer ambition ahead of the summer window opening as they reportedly shortlist Manchester City star Sterling for a potential blockbuster move to Catalunya this summer. 

Reports in Italy state that Barcelona are said to be “thinking” of Sterling and are prepared to do transfer business with the Premier League champions - only if players are involved. 

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Due to Barcelona's financial situation, Matte Moretto of Sky Italy explained players will need to be involved for any deal to become “feasible” from Barcelona and any deal is said to be complicated at this moment in time. 

Sterling’s underwhelming performances this season have seen Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva feature much more in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven. The number seven's league form has seen him score 10 goals and assist eight times for City - 10 fewer than the previous campaign. 

The former Liverpool man had recently stalled contract talks earlier this year with his current City deal set to expire in two years. 

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In addition, with Guardiola and City’s interest in Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish intensifying, the Champions League finalists could allow their number seven to depart should a substantial offer arrive. 

Barcelona have already completed the signings of two former City players in Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero. And Joan Laporta is said to be a huge admirer of Sterling and City and Spain centre back Aymeric Laporte. 

Coincidentally, with Barcelona's interest in Sterling, Ousmane Dembele could be set to depart the club should he decide to not renew his contract this summer. SPORT claim a fee of £50 million is said to be enough to prize the 23-year old away from Camp Nou. 

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The 26-year-old City winger had also been earmarked by Barcelona league rivals Real Madrid following rumours of a £90 million move to Madrid last year.  Former Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was in favour of the Englishman joining his Madrid side as they reignited their interest this year. 

But with Zidane’s departure this month, it is currently unknown whether newly-appointed Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is interested in signing the Englishman. 

Having already conquered the Premier League and domestic football with City, a potential move to a Spanish giant in Barcelona could be one of huge temptation to Sterling this summer should he decide to seek pastures new. 

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