Manchester City to open talks with Raheem Sterling over new contract at the Etihad

RAHEEM STERLING is in talks with Manchester City over a new contract extension, according to reports.

The Citizens winger scored yet another late winner in the recent 2-1 win over Southampton, and the club will now look to tie him down to a new deal.

AP:ASSOCIATED PRESS: The England international took his tally to 13 goals for the season with this strike

PA:EMPICS SPORT: Raheem Sterling celebrates his dramatic winner against Southampton on Wednesday evening

According to Sky Sources, the Premier League leaders will open talks with the 22-year-old to avoid losing him to a rival.

The England international is contracted at Eastlands until 2020, but is a reported target for Arsenal as Arsene Wenger looks to replace Alexis Sanchez.

Sterling is currently enjoying his most fruitful season to date in his career, having already netted 13 goals in all competitions.

He is City’s top goalscorer by two goals, and has found the back of the net nine times in 12 top-flight matches.

It is third time this campaign Sterling has scored a dramatic last-gasp winner, having sealed victory for City against Bournemouth and Huddersfield on the road.

Incredibly, eight of the ex-Liverpool star’s 13 goals have come in the final ten minutes, with strikes including a winner against Feyenoord in the Champions League and an equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Everton.

Sterling’s strikes have gifted City an additional seven points, without his goals, Pep Guardiola’s side would be just one point ahead of rivals Manchester United.

SunSport reported earlier this month that City were ready to offer their key man a bumper new deal believed to be in the region of £200,000-a-week.