Vieira a fan of City target Sterling

MANCHESTER City’s football development executive Patrick Vieira rates Raheem Sterling highly and believes the club’s interest in the Liverpool forward is understandable.

City have already had two offers – the latest worth £40million – rejected, but reports suggest they are preparing a third for the England international.

Liverpool value the 20 year old, who still has two years left on his current deal but has refused to sign a new £100,000–a–week contract, at £50million–plus.

And while some have criticised that valuation, Vieira is a fan of the youngster: “I think if you go down and ask 10 people what they think about him, nine would give you a positive answer,’ Vieira said.

“I would be one of the nine because he’s shown how good he is, how well he’s been doing at Liverpool. If he is in the market, not just City would be interested in him.”