The Manchester City fans here in the Transfer Tavern were shocked to see one of their best players of the season so far, miss so many easy chances to secure them the title against local rivals Man United in the derby.

Raheem Sterling has been in sensational form under Pep Guardiola in his second season, the England man has the highest goal tally of his career and it doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon. However, Sterling couldn’t convert the chances when the Citizens needed him the most on Derby weekend, finishing just one of his chances would have easily put the game to bed in the first half and secured Man City the title under Guardiola.

Real Madrid are known admirers of the former Liverpool man, and while he’s hitting the heights he has this season, the summer would be a good time to pounce. Sterling is sure to want a big pay rise soon to rival Kevin De Bruyne’s recent weekly wage and perhaps the Spanish capital would be too tempting, especially if things start to go downhill from here onwards.

Our landlord takes a look at TWO players that could easily replace Sterling and keep this team in the goals…

Florian Thauvin

The French winger has scored 16 goals in 29 league matches so far this season for Marseille, alongside 10 assists for the side. At 25, Thauvin will be starting to reach his peak in the next few years, and Guardiola could benefit massively from that.

He can dribble, pass and is one of the best from shooting outside the box. A true winger in our barman’s eyes, and one that he would love to watch under the Spaniard. Many would judge him by his time with Newcastle, but now Thauvin is not to be underestimated.

Malcom

The 21-year-old Brazilian has been subject to many a team linked with bringing him to the Premier League, however, the winger has remained true to Bordeaux in Ligue 1. So far in the league, he has accumulated nine goals and six assists in 27 starts. A hugely talented attacker, he’d fit in oh so well at the Etihad.

A fantastic player all around that could really light up the Etihad stands for many years to come and would surely flourish under Pep.