Real Madrid Transfer News: Raheem Sterling's Agent Slammed by Jamie Carragher

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher has grown tired of seeing Raheem Sterling's contract discussed in the media.

There's speculation Real Madrid could offer the English talent a bumper pay rise on his £30,000-per-week deal, reported by Izzy Horsefield of The Express, a situation Liverpool would need to react quickly to.

Sterling's wages and potential future move has continually made headline news since the end of September, something Carragher believes is down to Robert Segal, his agent, as noted on Twitter:

It's entirely possible Segal is peddling to get his client as much money as possible when a new deal is offered. This happened back in 2012 when the teenager broke into the first team on £300 per week. By keeping his star's numbers visible alongside a string of important performances from the player, it is a matter of time before an improved deal is offered.

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Of course, Segal could also be targeting a big-money move to Madrid. Carragher's tweet hints that something selfish is going on behind the scenes. Perhaps Sterling's value is deliberately being drummed up in full knowledge the agent fee for completing a transfer to the Spanish capital is likely to be great.

Jorge Mendes—the agent for James Rodriguez, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao among others—is the most prominent example of someone who has recently made serious cash from moving his clients on. Nick Harris of the Daily Mail writes that Mendes is likely to have made £20 million alone this summer, having taken approximately 10 percent of the £208.5 million spent by clubs on his array of stars.

It is certainly too early to suggest where Sterling's long-term future lies. It wouldn't be unheard of for him to ink a new deal before moving elsewhere a couple of seasons later. Liverpool possess one of world football's greatest talents and are likely to face an increasing battle to keep the versatile forward if he continues to improve at the rate currently being shown.

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Martin Lipton of the Mirror believes Liverpool will be "powerless" if Madrid intend to sign the player, as Florentio Perez generally manages to land the players he wants. Lipton described a familiar pattern, saying, "First, information is leaked. Then, current Real players, when asked to comment, suggest the target would be perfect for the Bernabeu. Drip by drip."

It's curious that Gareth Bale, Madrid's latest British investment, recently mentioned Sterling in an interview with 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.

"

Valentina Petrova/Associated Press

Such words appear ominous from a player who went through the same process while at Tottenham. Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric are also examples of individuals who have been lauded from afar before a concrete offer is made. The lure of playing for Real Madrid is among the most difficult to overcome in football and can be just as powerful as financial incentive to those who wish to further their career.

Sterling has shown his class this season, scoring three goals and providing an assist in six Premier League matches, per WhoScored.com. He flaunts the pace, dribbling skill and natural confidence that Madrid love, especially as he has already consistently found a final product at senior level. Unfortunately for Liverpool, he appears the perfect fit to Madrid's policy of prioritising exciting attacking football.

Rodgers is sure to know this. Although the manager isn't keen on providing youngsters with bumper contracts—which he feels can force them into complacency, per Neil Ashton of the Daily Mail—his hand will be forced if Madrid begin to circle with intent.

Sterling is the type of talent who can be used to build a team around, a one-of-a-kind talent, meaning the Liverpool boss should prioritise keeping him above all else.