La Liga Rumors: Zidane Likes Sterling But Move From City Purely Speculation

Each time Zinedine Zidane opens up about a certain player, transfer rumors are bound to follow not long after. One can just recall how he aired his admiration for Paul Pogba of Manchester United and in a snap, Real Madrid became a potential landing spot. This time, the Los Blancos manager is setting things straight.

The player in focus right now is Raheem Sterling. Though he is awed by what the 25-year-old midfielder can do, he is not going beyond that. He knows how fast speculations would arise and likely wants to spare himself (and Sterline) from such, Omnisport reported.

"I can't talk about a player who isn't mine," he told reporters on Friday. "He's a very good player, no doubt about that."

But even if Zidane opts not to go beyond his admiration for the English international, Sterling did have good words for Real Madrid. He said he would not mind playing at the Santiago Bernabeu if a chance crops up. For now, his main priority is Manchester City, a team he is happily playing for, AS reported.

"Right now I'm at City and I'm really happy. But I say Real Madrid are a fantastic club," Sterling said. "But at the same time, I have a contract with City now and I have to respect this. But it's a fantastic club."

Los Blancos will meet Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League with the first leg happening on Wednesday at the Bernabeu. The return game will be held at the Etihad Stadium on Mar. 17.

As for Real Madrid, Zidane will first prepare for Levante in La Liga on Saturday. One player expected to impress is Rodrygo. He has not made an appearance since Jan. 26. Despite that, Zidane knows how important he is to the club and has the talent to show.

Another player that could come as a concern for Madrid is team captain Sergio Ramos. Though contract talks have not gone well, Zidane believes it is not that serious. He expects something to be agreed soon without much complication. He is also backing Ramos bid to play for Spain in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

"He should go, of course [to the Olympics]. I will support him. It's very beautiful to play for your country," the 47-year-old manager said.