Sunday 3 May 2020 21:55, UK
German kit manufacturers Puma are closing in on a record-breaking £100m deal to sign Manchester City and England winger Raheem Sterling.
The Premier League star's present deal with Nike runs out in less than eight weeks (June 30) - and rival brands including Under Armour, Adidas and New Balance have been pursuing Sterling's signature for more than two years.
If the deal is agreed, Sterling would become Puma's highest-paid footballer and the face of their global advertising strategy.
The 25-year old has become a hugely sought-after commercial commodity thanks to his performances for club and country - and a series of statements on racism within the game.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have a dramatic effect on the finances of all football-associated businesses but it's thought the Puma deal is similar to the £100m 10-year deal offered by Nike's subsidiary Air Jordan last year.
If the deal goes through, Sterling could collaborate on the development of a sportswear range with American rapper Jay-Z, who doubles up as Puma's creative director.
The England winger is no stranger to the Puma brand, which already has a 10-year £650m deal as Man City's kit suppliers.
City boss Pep Guardiola signed up last summer to their portfolio, which already includes Sterling's team-mates Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Nike remain hopeful of finding a way to keep Sterling as the top player in their Premier League portfolio, but that scenario is looking increasingly unlikely.
