Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Fee Named in Theo Walcott Swap Rumours

Liverpool want "at least £20 million" plus Theo Walcott to entertain the idea of Raheem Sterling joining Arsenal, according to David Woods of the Daily Star.

Previous reports marked Sterling's value at approximately £50 million, so this rumour would leave Brendan Rodgers' side short in comparison. Few would rate Walcott as a £30 million player—his persistent injuries and lack of form have lowered his value in recent times—so Woods' story appears ambitious from Arsenal's point of view.

Woods indicated Walcott could have headed to Anfield in a part-exchange deal for Luis Suarez last summer, but this fell apart when the Uruguayan striker chose to join Barcelona. He suggests Rodgers "remains a fan" of Walcott, despite the Englishman's disappointing season.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed how Arsenal can land Sterling:

Walcott has made just eight Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals, per WhoScored.com. He is neither a prolific finisher nor an especially hard worker, so new signings such as Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck are firmly established ahead of him in Wenger's lineup.

Sterling has reportedly turned down a £100,000-per-week contract to remain at Anfield, per Woods. Sami Mokbel of the MailOnline suggests Walcott is eyeing an "increase" on his current £90,000-per-week deal, so there's likely to be little difference when both agree their next contracts (wherever they may be).

Wenger recently admitted Arsenal no longer need to sell their top players, per Woods:

"

We are not in a position anymore where we have to sell our best players. When we had the period of restricted finances we had to sell the players when they started to perform—from 18-23. You pay for experience. A player becomes a player at 23 or 24. But if you have to sell them at that age then you just feel you work for the other clubs.

"

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Walcott is 26 and posted his most impressive form prior to signing his current deal in 2013. It's difficult to suggest he is one of Arsenal's star players, although he's certainly a match-winner when confident and fully fit.

Sterling has developed massively across the last two years, filling a number of roles within Rodgers' ever-changing formation. He's capable of playing on either flank, through the middle and even deeper if needed, making him an endlessly useful inclusion. While his final product may be questioned—similar to Walcott—he has years of development ahead of him.

Squawka highlighted how Sterling is currently leading the way for Liverpool:

Former Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry believes the Reds will soon compete for top-level signings alongside the likes of Chelsea, as reported by Anton Stanley of talkSPORT:

"

Yes I do (think Liverpool will compete for signings). I think the owners Liverpool have got are really smart people. I think the financial fair play rules are starting to have an impact.

We’ve suddenly seen last year the profitability of Premier League clubs improving, so we’re getting a bit more of a level playing field.

I remember when Roman Abramovich first came in to Chelsea our policy was 'we’re just not competing in that market.' They can only have 11 players, we’ll pick from the best of the rest.

"

Parry also believes Liverpool can cope without Sterling, telling the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, per Stanley:

"

You give the player the option (of a new deal) and you hope that he stays but, if he doesn’t, no player is bigger than the club. Life moves on. We’ve lost our fair share. In my day we saw Steve McManaman go on a Bosman and we lost Michael Owen but the club picked itself up and got on with it.

"

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Exchanging Sterling for Walcott wouldn't be the greatest way to highlight the club's improving ambition, particularly after selling Suarez last year.

The power appears in Sterling's hands right now, as his decision to ink a new deal would end the rumours. He has quickly developed into a key player for the club, but Liverpool aren't likely to accommodate any ridiculous needs for an individual who has plenty left to prove.