Anton Ferdinand has questioned why Manchester City are not doing all they can to keep Raheem Sterling at the club.

Chelsea are believed to be closing in on a £45m deal to snap up the England international, but Ferdinand says he is very surprised that Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to let him leave:

“Me personally, if I’m Man City, I’m keeping him. I would try everything I can to tie him down to a new contract. He’s a fantastic player, he’s also a consistent performer and someone who has done it over the years in the Premier League. So, for Man City to be wanting to or happy to get rid of him, that shocks me.”

Sterling’s situation at City is complicated and Ferdinand may not be apprised about all the things that have led to this point where the 27-year-old’s departure looks inevitable.

First of all, the winger has less than a year left on his contract and City have a policy of not allowing players to leave on free transfers. Selling him for the highest price is, therefore, the priority, and the only team seemingly willing to meet the valuation is Chelsea.

Secondly, Sterling has had an up and down relationship with Guardiola over the years, which has mostly centred on the player’s frustration that he isn’t always a guaranteed starter. The transfer is more down to the player’s desire to go elsewhere rather than City’s lack of interest in keeping him.