Despite speculation continuing to swirl regarding the future of Liverpool contract rebel Raheem Sterling, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the club has absolutely no intention of cashing in on the youngster even if talks break down again.
The 20-year old, who is the Anfield outfits top scorer this season with seven goals, called off negotiations earlier this year with the promise that the two sides will sit down again at the end of the season. In an unauthorized interview with the BBC, Sterling revealed that he’s already turned down at least one offer from Liverpool worth £100,000 per week, saying that he’s motivated by ambition and trophies rather than money. With the Reds unlikely to qualify for next seasons Champions League, there have been rumours that the promising attacker will look to push through a move to a rival club, but Rodgers has once again pooh-poohed that notion.
“We’re still pretty relaxed on it. The club will pick it up again with Raheem’s representatives in the summer. Everyone wants to win trophies and play in the big competitions. We will just reinforce what our stance has been all along. This is the best club for him at this moment where he has the opportunity to play, to fight and to be competitive,” explained the Northern Irishman when asked about the future of the Jamaican born winger before bluntly explaining the mindset of the owners. “We’ve made that clear. The owners are very much supportive of that. Raheem won’t be going anywhere in the summer, even if there isn’t a deal agreed.”
Both Manchester City and Spanish giants Real Madrid have been linked with big money moves for the 20-year old, but it’s unlikely that Liverpool will budge from their position if they’re actually not interested in selling. One only needs to look towards Arsenal’s interest in then star striker Luis Suarez for proof that the Reds ownership can be steadfast in their determination to hang on to a player no matter what. If they want him to stay, he better get used to it…
