Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the club over a new five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. 

The England winger has a little more than 18 months remaining on his current contract, but it was reported on Thursday that the new deal is set to be signed in the next few weeks.

Sterling has scored four goals in eight Premier League appearances for City this season and has played a large part in helping Pep Guardiola’s side reach top form in their domestic campaign this season.

Negotiations over a new contract have lasted for almost a year and were first reported in December 2017, when Sterling started the 2017-18 campaign—by far the best of his career to date—in prolific fashion.

Sterling ended a three-year goalscoring drought for England with a brace in a shock 3-2 win over Spain in October and his performance reportedly triggered Madrid to rekindle their long-term interest in the City No.7.

Raheem has developed hugely under Guardiola and is now considered one of the best attackers in the Premier League after playing an integral part in City’s league and cup double last season.

In fact, only Sergio Aguero (27) has scored more Premier League goals than Sterling (22) of all City players since the start of last season.