Raheem Sterling fears his chances of earning a new deal at Manchester City which would see him become one of the highest paid players in the Premier League have receded following his performances at the World Cup this summer.

Sterling’s advisors began discussions with City officials at the end of last season but decided to continue talks once the tournament in Russia had finished with the hope that an electric showing from the 23 year-old would give them leverage to push his weekly pay packet from £170,000 into the region of £250,000.

They believe he should be one of the top earners at the club alongside striker Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne , the Belgian international.

Yet Sterling was influential without being outstanding during Gareth Southgate’s surprise run to the semi-finals which could sway City’s thinking.

The former Liverpool forward has two years left on his current contract but manager Pep Guardiola, having seen the problems inflicted on Arsenal when Alexis Sanchez was allowed to enter the final year of his agreement, is adamant he will not be allowed to run down his deal with the Premier League Champions.