Pep Guardiola fears a fight to keep Raheem Sterling after admitting the £100 million-rated Manchester City and England winger’s fine form has put him firmly in demand.

Sterling is due to enter the final two years of his existing £180,000-a-week contract this summer.

City want to extend his deal and are prepared to offer a substantial pay rise but Sterling’s impressive displays have caught the attention of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain.

Sterling’s valuation could soar again if he thrives for England at the World Cup finals in Russia and Guardiola is aware the 23 year-old – who has scored 20 goals is all competitions this term - is increasingly sought after.

“No doubt, it is so important [to keep Sterling]. But the deals are the deals. The agents, circumstances, maybe other clubs are interested in him,” the City manager said ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton.