Liverpool Transfers: Manchester United Swoop For Sterling
Could Sterling really be headed to the old enemy?
Liverpools arch-rivals Manchester United have made an enquiry about the availability of Raheem Sterling as they plot a shock move for the England international.
The 20-year old appears to be heading for the Anfield exit this summer after rejecting a new deal and refusing to commit his future to the club.
United are believed to have contacted Liverpool this week and believe they have a substantial chance of landing him before the close of the summer transfer window.
Any such approach would likely be rejected by the Merseysiders, however, who have said they dont want to sell their prized asset, least of all to the old enemy.
The wingers agent Aidy Ward is due to hold a meeting with chief executive Ian Ayre on Friday to discuss his clients future, who still has two years remaining on his current £35,000-a-week deal.
Sterling was victim of boos and heckling from supporters when receiving his young player of the year award on Tuesday night, but former captain of the club Graeme Souness understands the fans frustration.
It looks like he wants to go and play somewhere else, which is really sad for Liverpool supporters, he told Sky Sports. If hes privately making it known he wants to leave Liverpool then that word soon gets out and supporters are entitled to turn on him.
Maybe someone should whisper in his ear and tell him he is not going anywhere.
He is a young man with lots of potential. He is far from being the finished article; he should stay at Liverpool, learn his trade and get on with it.
The last player to be transferred between the two clubs was Phil Chisnall way back in 1964, although Rafa Benitez came mightily close to signing Gabriel Heinze from United in 2007 before then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson blocked the transfer at the last minute.
With this fiasco in mind, it would be highly surprising if Liverpool sold to their biggest rivals, although former Liverpool player Dietmar Hamann believes if Sterling doesnt want to stay he should be sold.
I think Liverpool needs players who are committed now and if he feels his future is elsewhere then good luck to him said the 2005 Champions League winner.
If he gets offered more money, Champions League football or a better opportunity to win trophies then that is his right to do that."