Manchester City could be about to use Barcelona’s interest in Raheem Sterling to their own advantage – by stepping up their pursuit of wonderkid Pedri.

Sterling has found himself on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s squad at times over the last year or so and has previously hinted he would consider a move away from City.

Barcelona have been linked with a January approach and according to El Nacional, president Joan Laporta is eager to sign the England star. But the publication adds that, because City know Barca can’t afford the £64m asking price, they may instead ask for Pedri to be included in a swap deal.

The 19-year-old midfielder is one of football’s most highly-rated prospects. This week, he edged Jude Bellingham to win the Kopa Trophy, which is handed out to the best Under 21 talent at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Pedri played for Spain both at the European Championship and the Olympics in the summer, before returning to action with Barcelona.

In what has been a difficult year for the Nou Camp club with Lionel Messi leaving for PSG amid off-field financial difficulties, Pedri’s emergence has been a rare bright spot.

El Nacional reports that if Barcelona agree to swap Pedri, City manager Pep Guardiola could well sanction the departure of Sterling.

Sterling has made 18 appearances in all competitions for City so far this season, scoring four goals.

City are currently second in the Premier League standings and trail leaders Chelsea by only a point.

They are back in action on Wednesday night against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.