Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Latest, Mauro Icardi Rumours Fueled

When Brendan Rodgers confirmed that contract talks with Raheem Sterling were set to conclude “imminently,” per Tony Barrett of The Times, the news was greeted with overwhelming positivity from all those associated with Liverpool. But reports suggest that the England international has rejected the terms put forward on a new deal by the Reds.

According to Soriebah Kajue of the Mirror, the 20-year-old has declined the second offer from the club and is holding out for a weekly salary of circa £100,000. It’s noted in the piece that Liverpool’s improved offer would have seen Sterling earn in excess of £70,000-per-week.

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After the summer sale of Luis Suarez and perennial injury concerns that have gripped Daniel Sturridge, Sterling has taken on the role of Liverpool talisman with distinction so far this season and as we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, he’s been a real creative force for Rodgers’ side:

As noted by Kajue’s piece, the likes of Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Sterling and amid that speculation, his unwillingness to put pen to paper on a new long-term deal will come as a concern to the Anfield faithful; there are many who would happily just pay the player the money in order to tie him down.

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Jonathan Wilson of Bleacher Report waxed lyrical about the player following his exceptional recent display against Chelsea:

Sterling still has more than two years left to run on his current contract, so any real pertinent worries are perhaps a little premature. At this juncture, it looks like a case of the player and agent holding out to eventually eek a little bit more out of the football club. Given the Reds’ current lack of inspirational figures, it’s money you suspect will eventually be coughed up.

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With Steven Gerrard set to walk out the Anfield door this summer the Reds need to invest in the next generation, of which Sterling is undeniably the crown jewel. With that in mind, Anfield remains the ideal place for Sterling to continue his growth as a footballer. It’d certainly cost Liverpool a lot more to replace his potential long-term influence than it would to pay him a little bit extra.

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Indeed, all you have to do is look how much reported transfer targets would cost. Mauro Icardi is a player that’s young, scoring goals and has the potential to be world class. According to the Star on Sunday (h/t Rob Burnett of the Mirror), Liverpool will make a bold attempt to lure the forward to Anfield at the expense of Chelsea.

Here’s a look at what Icardi could potentially bring to the Premier League:

According to the piece, the player is valued at around £30 million by the Italian giants and it’s easy to see why. Icardi boasts a maturity and roundedness to his play that far surpasses his relatively tender years and in time he looks like a perfect player to lead a Premier League strike force. He’d be a better suit for the Reds than Chelsea too.

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With Diego Costa and Loic Remy in situ at Stamford Bridge, Icardi may not be the club’s first-choice forward. By contrast, at Liverpool he’d be an excellent foil for the likes of Sterling and Sturridge, especially if Rodgers is looking to revert to the diamond formation that served the Reds so well last season.

At the moment, Inter remains the best place for Icardi to continue his development. He’s a player who possesses a capricious streak and leading the line for a team like the Nerazzurri doesn’t come with quite the same pressures as it would at Chelsea or Liverpool. Expect him to remain at the San Siro for a while longer.