There are also reports of a potential boost for Kevin De Bruyne in his recovery from injury as well as an insight into the fierce competition for places at City from Gabriel Jesus.
But we start with warm words of praise from Stones towards his City and England colleague Sterling, whom the central defender has backed to fire for England in their forthcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Spain and friendly with Switzerland over the next 10 days.
Sterling has not scored for the Three Lions since netting in the Euro 2016 qualifying win over Estonia in October 2015.
READ: City v Newcastle post match talking points
READ: Man City key dates fixtures kick off times and cup draws September
But Stones told the Daily Mirror that Sterling - who again showed his quality with a fine strike in City ’s 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday – is a priceless asset for the Gareth Southgate’s side.
“Raz was unbelievable in the World Cup,” Stones told David Anderson. “I know he got some negativity towards him, but what he brought to the team - he terrorised defences and that got overshadowed.
“He has such a great mentality, to keep coming out every week and doing what he does, and brush it all aside.
“On a personal level, I was upset for Raheem because what he brings to this team, as we saw with his goal against Newcastle, is immense.
“And it’s not just about goals, he creates chances, takes on his full-back - he does everything right and more.
“I hope if we do play for England that one goes in and then that is that, we can put it all to bed.
“If that happens, he can go on to show the world how good he is.”
READ: Man City Champions League Lyon Shakhtar Hoffenheim talking points
READ: Man City Carabao Cup EFL third round draw details
Meanwhile, according to the Daily Star, De Bruyne has been given the green light to move on to the next stage of his rehabilitation from the knee injury he suffered in August.
Paul Hetherington writes: “The Belgium international tore a knee ligament on August 15 and missed Manchester City’s games against Huddersfield, Wolves and Newcastle.
“The initial prognosis suggested that the 27-year-old would be sidelined for two to three months, but De Bruyne could be in line for an earlier return.
“The City midfielder attended his side’s 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday after seeing renowned doctor Ramon Cugat, who has been described by Blues boss Pep Guardiola as “the best in the world”.
“De Bruyne, who suffered a knee ligament injury in training and is due to return in November, has managed to avoid requiring surgery.
“And there is now hope he may be able to significantly step up his rehab programme.”
Finally, Gabriel Jesus has told Sky Sports that Leroy Sane’s omission from the matchday squad for the Newcastle win just serves to illustrate the fierce competition for places at the Club
“It is normal with this amazing squad,” said the Brazil international.
“On Saturday it was Sane but, in the future, it’s going to be me or other players too.
“We all know the quality Sane has, his importance in the club, but it’s the beginning of the season.
“It’s normal that some players have started stronger or are more fit than others.”
That’s all for today, but we will be back with all the latest news and headlines from the back pages at the same time tomorrow!
