Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Bayern Munich Talks Reportedly Sought

If their efforts to land Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus should fail, Bayern Munich are reportedly looking at Liverpool's Raheem Sterling as an alternative ploy to boost their attack.

Jurgen Klopp's side would be especially reluctant to let another of their stars move to one of their main Bundesliga rivals, and German newspaper Bild (h/t Daily Mail's Matt Lawless) reports Sterling is their Plan B:

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Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has 'instructed' his brother Pere Guardiola - Luis Suarez's agent - to begin talks with representatives of the England international.

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And with Bayern reportedly beginning to grow impatient over Reus, Guardiola is said to be set on sounding out Sterling as an alternative. 

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Just as Reus has continued to impress despite Dortmund's troubles this season, Sterling has been a similarly bright performer amid Liverpool's disappointments, and he was promoted to the central striker role in Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.

The recently turned 20-year-old failed to cope with the pressure in attempting to net past David de Gea, but Nooruddean Choudry of The Guardian suggested fatigue may be playing its part:

Brendan Rodgers has grown increasingly reliant on Sterling's talent throughout 2014, an indicator of just how talented the England international is despite the heavy investments made at Anfield this past summer.

Former United States international Janusz Michallik recently sat down with Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey to discuss Liverpool's plans for the January transfer window, when Rodgers will surely look to bring in help for Sterling:

Bayern boss Guardiola may well see the youngster as more than just an admirable addition to his squad, however, with Bundesliga writer Clark Whitney hinting at Sterling's marketing advantages:

Lawless added that the Premier League likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Reus, who will see a contract clause reduce his fee to £20 million next summer.

That competition may not be seen by Bayern as a race worth entering and instead divert their attention toward Sterling, who is currently embroiled in a state of contract confusion at Anfield.

Despite the murmurs, Rodgers insists his starlet is settled on Merseyside, and he was quoted by Sky Sports as saying:

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I think if you look at Raheem’s performances that is what will do the talking. I think you see at the moment he is very happy. He is at a club that he loves being at. He enjoys playing here. He has obviously been given an opportunity as a young player.

It’s between the club and his representatives to sort out a deal but certainly there has been no unhappiness. I know Raheem very well and I see him training and playing. At this moment in time, you can he is happy so I am sure that will get sorted out in time.

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It's understood the winger is currently seeking a bump up from his current salary of £25,000 a week, with Lawless citing colleague Sami Mokbel in reporting a five-year, £70,000-a-week deal has already been offered.

Bayern may not be able—or willing—to compete in the same sense financially. Squawka CEO Sanjit Atwal recently gave his take on just how highly the Reds should value Sterling's talents:

The main advantage Der FCB holds is of course title prospects, sitting nine points clear at the summit of the German top flight and having made it to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have been made to settle for a place in the Europa League's round of 32 and are 11th in the Premier League; far from the heights of their second-place finish last season.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The opportunity to join a regime of Bayern's standing isn't one that comes about all too often. Should their prospects fail to see a marked improvement in the coming months, Liverpool are at risk of losing arguably their most important player.

For now, Reus remains at the top of Guardiola's list of wants, but depending on how both Dortmund and Liverpool succeed between now and the end of the season, Sterling may jump ahead in their rankings.