Could Manchester City or Chelsea steal in to sign this promising winger from Liverpool?
Brendan Rodgers has told Raheem Sterling he would be foolish not to commit to a new long-term contract with Liverpool when he turns 18 next month.
The Liverpool winger becomes eligible to sign the first senior contract of his career on 8 December but despite, or arguably because of, his progress this season the club have yet to make a formal offer to his representatives. Further negotiations between the Liverpool managing director, Ian Ayre, and Sterling’s representatives this week failed to end in an agreement on his future, although the club are adamant a deal will be done to keep the England international at Anfield and disappoint the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, who are monitoring the situation.
SOURCE: Guardian
Liverpool Brendan Rodgers says he hopes Raheem Sterling will sign a new deal to stay at Anfield, with Manchester City and Chelsea watching the situation carefully.
The 17 year-old has proven himself as arguably the top young talent in English football this season, working his way to become a first team regular for the Reds with consumate ease.
Comfortable playing on either flank, Sterling has shone at Anfield, and his performances have earned him a place in the England squad – with his first cap coming with a start against Sweden in England’s most recent friendly.
After a nervous start, a delightful cross-field ball to Ashley Young began the move for Danny Welbeck’s goal, and Sterling seems destined for a bright future in international football – whether with England, or Jamaica, who he is still eligible for.
Sterling has pace to burn, a trick or two up his sleeve and plays with his head up. He works hard too, pressing from the front when requested to do so by Brendan Rodgers.
Securing his future is vital to Liverpool – the club know that he could be worth more than £20m in just a few years’ time.
Still, Brendan Rodgers is confident that the teenager will stay at Anfield.
“I think it is important for the club that we sign our young talents but I think it is even more important for Raheem,” Rodgers said. “This is a club that is going to give young players an opportunity. He has played more games than he could have dreamed of this season, both in the Premier League and the Europa League. Liverpool Football Club has given him the chance to become a full international player. So, I would think if I am Raheem Sterling and his agents, I would look to tie it up very quickly.”
“This contract won’t be the biggest contract of his life. It is when he actually achieves something. What he has shown just now is fantastic potential. His next contract and the one after that [will be the big ones]. But this is Liverpool Football Club. If you are 17 years of age and you are playing regularly you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly. I am confident it is something that will be sorted out very soon.”
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