There has been speculation for months but today Manchester City confirmed that Liverpool and England forward Raheem Sterling will move to the club.

City will pay an initial £44m for Sterling which will make him the most expensive English player ever.

Sterling had been excused from Liverpool's pre-season tour of south-east Asia and Australia as the sides began formal negotiations.

It is rumoured that he will wear the number 7 shirt for the side.

Manuel Pellegrini stated: "He is a young player with outstanding ability, and I am sure the Manchester City fans will be very excited about seeing him in action for the team."

The moment @sterling31 put pen to paper at #mcfc. #welcomeraheem https://t.co/PUbqmpwl5B

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) July 14, 2015