Real Madrid Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Contract Delay Alerts Carlo Ancelotti

Real Madrid are reportedly "stepping up their efforts to sign Raheem Sterling," according to John Cross of the Mirror. Liverpool are yet to offer their starlet a new contract and could be placed in a nightmare situation should the 19-year-old fail to agree another deal anytime soon.

That Sterling's current contract runs out in 2017 isn't a problem, it's the player's relatively low wages which could promote interest. He is currently on £30,000 per week, noted by Cross, a sum "dwarfed" by his club and international team-mates.

Liverpool's inability to offer the key man greater terms has allegedly "alerted" Madrid's interest in a scenario which could turn serious extremely quickly for the Merseyside club.

If Real Madrid want a player, they generally get him. Florentino Perez has a reputation for delivering at least one major signing every summer, no matter the price. Gareth Bale arrived in 2013 for a sum of £85.3 million, while James Rodriguez headed to the Bernabeu this summer in a deal worth £63 million. Sterling would likely command less than this and is well within Madrid's range if Carlo Ancelotti deems the player necessary.

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Brendan Rodgers recently suggested Liverpool are holding back on offering Sterling a new contract in order to keep the player focused. He suggested that, should greater wages be granted at this early point in his career, Sterling may be susceptible to taking his foot off the accelerator.

"When you reward young players too quickly—Raheem's still only 19—you give them too much too early and that will be their downfall," said Rodgers, per Cross. "It's a big problem because they lose their hunger."

Madrid rarely worry about such matters and would be more than capable of easily improving Sterling's wage packet. With Angel Di Maria off the bill, Perez could be eyeing yet another high-profile attacking signing in the summer, particularly if rumours continue to link Cristiano Ronaldo with a return to Manchester United, per Sky Sports.

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Sterling's stock has risen quickly since Rodgers took over Liverpool. He is currently responsible for providing much of the side's tempo through his frightening pace, the kind of speed that would naturally slot in at the Bernabeu. He has scored three goals and provided an assist in five Premier League appearances this campaign, per WhoScored.com, with Liverpool looking considerably weaker when he isn't playing.

Ancelotti may be attracted to the player's versatility. He is comfortable on either flank and has dominated teams such as Manchester United through the middle. Being able to excel in multiple positions is an important part of playing for Madrid, especially with talents such as Ronaldo and Bale continuing to influence matches.

Bale recently acknowledged Sterling's progress and suggested the Englishman could excel at any club, as reported by Michael Calvin of The Independent:

"

If you look at Raheem Sterling, I think he’s shown what a good player he is. He’s starting to perform more consistently. If he keeps working hard and doing what he’s doing then he’s going to keep progressing and the sky is his limit.

"

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Sterling's technical ability and fearlessness certainly ensures he has an excellent shot at making it outside of the Premier League. Liverpool fans are sure to grow impatient if a new contract isn't offered soon, as tying the player down looks to be key for the future of Rodgers' team.

The manager's decision to start Sterling on the bench during the defeat to Aston Villa accidentally underlined how important he already is to the side. He hasn't missed a minute of football in the three matches since and will be an important factor in Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Sterling's ability to perform admirably in the high-profile clash may speed up a new contract offer, or indeed, dictate whether he will ever get the chance to show his skills in a clash of the Madrid neighbours.