Real Madrid Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Contract Blow Dealt by Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers is "sure" Liverpool will find a "solution" to Raheem Sterling's current contract situation, dealing a public blow to Real Madrid's hopes of signing the 19-year-old sensation.

Rumours suggest Sterling could be the subject of a mega-bid from the Bernabeu, reported by Paul Doyle of The Guardian. Rodgers isn't worried by the lack of movement on a new deal for the player, who currently earns £30,000 per week and is set for a major pay rise.

James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo reports comments from the manager prior to Liverpool's Merseyside derby clash with Everton:

"

There are ongoing talks between the owners and myself regarding contracts for a number of players. With Raheem we are relaxed where we’re at with him. The club are dealing with that and I’m sure we’ll get the solution. He is very happy here – that’s the key thing. In time I’m sure that will be sorted.

"

Rodgers also provided comment on speculation linking Sterling away from Anfield, per Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo:

Sterling's form has been key to Liverpool's limited success this season. The Englishman's frightening pace immediately places opponents onto the back foot and allows the side to quickly counter after dealing with pressure. Three goals in five games, including a corker during the recent defeat to West Ham, highlights a youngster whose talent is already making a consistent difference at the top level.

Stan Collymore of talkSPORT questioned whether Sterling is already too important to his team:

OptaJoe also underlined Sterling's quality:

The player's impact was apparent during the Anfield defeat to Aston Villa, in which Rodgers rested his emerging star. Liverpool's play suddenly suffered from a lack of incision and restricted creativity, as the tempo noticeably dropped without Sterling in the side.

With Luis Suarez now at Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge currently injured, per Luke Augustus of the Daily Mail, Sterling has become a key outlet to goal.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Sterling possesses all the hallmarks of a Real Madrid player, which is perhaps a worrying realisation for Liverpool fans. His natural agility and goalscoring ability is also matched by great energy. Rodgers has helped instill a tireless work rate into a player who is still developing physically. Carlo Ancelotti loves to sign those who offer versatility, an attribute already apparent in Sterling's game.

While he will never offer the same powerhouse-sprint style of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, Sterling's importance is perhaps more telling than either Los Blancos heroes were at this stage of their careers.

Madrid's potential interest always arrives with a sense of foreboding, as Florentino Perez usually lands his targets. We've seen Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Bale move in situations where the selling club had little choice but to cash in across recent years, such is the financial power and allure of playing for the European champions.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Liverpool proved they are willing to cash in with the sale of Suarez, providing Madrid with the knowledge that Sterling is likely to have his price.

This is a player who is capable of leading the Anfield club to success in the coming years, should he commit to a long-term contract. Rodgers has proved to be an excellent mentor to Sterling and will hope the player is willing to represent his side for many years to come.

Madrid's potential interest will worry his supporters in England and may see Liverpool speed up their contract talks with an individual who is set to add value to his stock over the course of the season.