After failing twice in their attempts to bring down Raheem Sterling, Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Jack Wilshere, whom they surprisingly value at £5million shy of their valuation of the Liverpool winger.

Manuel Pellegrini has lost Frank Lampard, James Milner, Micah Richards and Scott Sinclair this summer and desperately needs to sign a few home-grown players to not fall foul of the UEFA regulations.

The Etihad Stadium club have all but confirmed the signing of Patrick Roberts and now seem to be on the lookout for world-class quality in their potential home-grown player signing.

English media suggested earlier this year that the Citizens were readying a sensational bid for the Englishman, but the murmurs eventually subsided when he confessed that he would not sign for a club, who only need him to add to the quota.

“I definitely wouldn’t go somewhere just because I’m a homegrown player. I’d want to be wanted by a club. I want to be wanted by Arsenal. I’ve grown up at Arsenal, I’m a homegrown player and, as long as Arsenal want me, then I’m happy.”

The 23-year-old will certainly be offered more money than what his current Arsenal contract gives him, but he has often pledged his long-term future, if not, entire footballing career to the north London outfit.

Neither a £30million bid nor a £150,000-a-week contract could make him an Ashley Cole.