Friday 30 March 2018 14:48, UK
Renewing Raheem Sterling's Manchester City contract is "so important" but other clubs may be interested, says Pep Guardiola.
Sterling played a pivotal role for England in a central position in the 1-1 draw with Italy on Tuesday, having scored 15 goals in 26 Premier League appearances for Manchester City this season.
He has over two years remaining on his current contract, but City told Sky Sports News in December last year they intended to open discussions with him over a new deal.
Guardiola insisted discussions over Sterling's contract are a question for director of football Txiki Begiristain, but the City manager was adamant keeping hold of the player is vital.
"No doubt, so important," said Guardiola. "But the deals are the deals, the agents and there are circumstances, other clubs maybe they are interested in him.
"So I think it happens but he knows how important he is for us."
Gabriel Jesus' future at City has also been placed under doubt after the Daily Mail reported the striker turned down a £90,000-a-week new contract this week.
Jesus has played understudy to Sergio Aguero since returning from injury last month, but scored for Brazil during the international break.
"It's so important for him," Guardiola said of the goal. "It was a long time injured. A striker needs goals.
"The problem is we have Sergio so it was important for him, his confidence."
