But Sterling isn’t the only forward who is unwilling to succumb to a spot on the bench every other week.
According to Mundo Deportivo, versatile forward Ferran Torres has told Guardiola that he wants to leave City as well, coincidentally in favour of a move to Barcelona.
The 21-year-old has made just four appearances so far this season, scoring twice and assisting one.
Torres can play on either wing and also as a striker, and his few displays as a No 9 last season suggested that the Spaniard would be the long-term successor of Sergio Aguero, but it simply hasn’t panned out that way for the forward.
It remains to be seen whether Barca are able to cough up the cash for Sterling and Torres, or whether manager Xavi is forced to decide which player he would rather take under his wing.