LONDON - Manchester City have made an increased offer for Raheem Sterling as they continue their attempts to strike a deal for the England winger.

The English Premier League football club's revised bid was lodged on Tuesday and included a basic fee of £35 million (S$74 million) plus £5 million in performance-related incentives.

Although that offer represented a significant improvement on their opening bid - £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons - Liverpool are expected to reject it given the Merseyside club's insistence that Sterling will not be sold for less than £50 million.

His position at Anfield has become increasingly untenable as a result of an increasingly acrimonious contract stand-off. But, despite the deterioration in the relationship, Liverpool remain adamant that the 20-year-old will not be allowed to leave unless their valuation is met.

Although Sterling's desire to leave compromises their bargaining position, the fact that he has two years remaining on his contract gives Liverpool some scope for resistance.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will continue to work on revamping their forward line despite agreeing a loan deal for Radamel Falcao.

The English champions have agreed to pay Monaco a £5 million loan fee for the Colombia striker, who has accepted a 25 per cent pay cut on his previous wages of £265,000 a week to move to Stamford Bridge.

Falcao will fill the role of stand-in striker to Diego Costa but the 29-year-old may not be the only new arrival as Jose Mourinho seeks to strengthen a side who won the league last month with three matches to spare.

Chelsea are interested in signing Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann, who has a £43 million buyout clause, which they may activate if they can raise funds from the sale of French striker Loic Remy.

THE TIMES, LONDON