With reports emerging that talks with Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling’s representatives over a new deal have hit yet another impasse, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers took some time out of his pre-match press conference to confirm that talks are on hold for the time being.
This, you might remember, is quite contrary to assertions from the Northern Irishman in recent months that a resolution to the ongoing and seemingly quite heated negotiations were just around the corner. It comes as little surprise that money — or, at least that’s what the rumours say — is the main sticking point between the two sides with the 20-year old looking for wages somewhere in the region of £150,000 per week while the club value his contribution somewhere around the £70k mark. Either way, now that talks have been put on hold no one is deciding anything until the season is over.
“It has been made clear by Raheem’s representative he wants to concentrate on his football and see what can be resolved in the summer,” explained the Reds boss ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Manchester United. “I am sure it will be resolved and the concentration for Raheem is now on his football and it is clear the terms of when those talks will begin again.”
With Liverpool chasing both a top four spot and a FA Cup semi-final berth, focusing on football isn’t all that bad of an idea, but there are few Kopites who’ll be happy with the way the youngster’s contract talks are being played out an portrayed in the press. With a number of stars — including captaincy heir apparent Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen — also looking at new deals, the Reds face a nervy summer ahead.
