Jack Grealish has leapt to the defence of former Man City and England team-mate Raheem Sterling after he was subjected to brutal criticism on social media. Sterling made his first appearance for Feyenoord off the bench in their 2-1 home triumph over Telstar on Sunday but looked understandably rusty after nine months away from competitive action. Having been exiled by Chelsea before mutually agreeing a contract termination of his £325‚000-a-week deal last month‚ Sterling still has a way to go before reaching full fitness again.

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An issue has arisen following the move‚ in that he is not allowed to even train with his new new team until he has a work visa - something that has not yet arrived. That‚ though‚ does not apply to everywhere. And‚ speaking after his side's 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday - which Sterling watched from the stands - van Persie revealed that he will be taking his side to Belgium - purely so they can integrate the 31-year-old into their sessions.

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Intruders broke into the property‚ where the 28-year-old lives with Love Island host Maya Jama‚ 31‚ as City beat Galatasaray on Wednesday night. Cheshire Police confirmed that items had been stolen and enquiries were ongoing‚ while former team-mates Raheem Sterling‚ Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez have all previously been targeted around the same geographical area.

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SIMON JONES: Tottenham‚ Juventus‚ Napoli and Burnley are among the clubs thought to be considering an approach to Raheem Sterling. The 31-year-old is a free agent after cancelling his contract with Chelsea on Wednesday. The England international winger is open to playing in most leagues in Europe and would not necessarily be looking for a costly salary as he wants to get back to playing regularly.

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