Report: Sterling not involved in swap deal for Arsenal's Sanchez

Manchester City won't include Raheem Sterling in any swap deal for Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez, sources told Sky Sports.

Reports on Tuesday suggested City had considered using Sterling as a makeweight to broker Sanchez's safe passage to the Etihad. However, it now appears the idea to include Sterling was Arsenal's.

City reportedly favours a straight cash deal for the disgruntled Chilean, who has just 10 months remaining on his contract with the Gunners.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has long considered Sanchez unsellable this summer. Despite rejecting a £50-million bid from City, the BBC's David Ornstein said Wenger's stance could change if Pep Guardiola's side offered "huge money" and a player in the final two days of the transfer window.

Having been shaped by Queens Park Rangers' academy, Sterling has ties to the London area. But Guardiola has no intention of selling a player who cost City around £50 million to pry from Liverpool in 2015.

The Spanish tactician has never been shy to praise the 22-year-old or play him on a regular basis. Sterling made 29 league starts last season and opened the 2017-18 campaign with two crucial goals against Everton and Bournemouth.