Barcelona interested in January move for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling

Barcelona appears to be targeting a Premier League star following Lionel Messi's departure from the club this summer. 

The La Liga giants are reportedly interested in making a move for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling when the January transfer window opens, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The report also states Barcelona was close to landing Sterling this summer, but they were unable to complete the signing due to their financial issues. 

Barcelona's director of football also reportedly traveled to England to further negotiations for Sterling, which included the possibility of a swap deal with Sergio Roberto, Antoine Griezmann, or Ousmane Dembele.

Sterling has fallen out of favor at Manchester City, starting just two games for the Premier League champions this season. However, he remains an essential piece on England's national team. The 26-year-old scored three goals and added an assist at this summer's Euro 2020 tournament. 

Barcelona could absolutely use Sterling's scoring prowess after losing Messi this summer. Sergio Aguero has also yet to play for the club due to injuries and Martin Brathwaite is also sidelined for a few months. 

It's unclear if Manchester City is interested in parting ways with Sterling. Manager Pep Guardiola recently backed Sterling amid trade interest from Barcelona, saying, "Do you know how many incredible successes we had in the last seasons yeah? Impossible without Raheem."

Sterling joined Man City from Liverpool in 2015. He has spent the last seven seasons with the Sky Blues, tallying 79 goals and 38 assists in 199 games (171 starts).