Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Signals Intent to Stay, Latest Rumours

Raheem Sterling wants the Liverpool fans to sing his name. Despite being embroiled in a difficult contract situation—which has seen him turn down £100,000 per week, reported by Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph—Sterling wants an Anfield chorus to ring out in his honour.

Speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine (h/t Sky Sports), Sterling said that he wants to hear his name belted out by the club's supporters: "Of course, when the crowd is with you, there is nothing better. My ambition is to have my own song from the Kop. Last season I loved the song for Luis Suarez—Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho have good ones too."

Jon Super/Associated Press

Few will feel like singing the youngster's name at the current time. Sterling's contract saga—which has seen him linked with a move to Arsenal, per David Woods of the Daily Star—threatens to be the defining story of Liverpool's season.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently looked at how the Gunners could lure Sterling to the Emirates Stadium:

The Reds are seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City heading into Monday's match against Newcastle United and cannot afford to drop further points if Champions League qualification is going to be attained.

Consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal have made the situation difficult, but Brendan Rodgers' men will be more than confident of seeing off John Carver's Newcastle.

The Magpies have lost their last four Premier League matches, scoring just one goal in the process. Monday's fixture could be the perfect time for Sterling—who told the BBC he isn't a "money-grabbing 20-year-old"—to remind everyone of his footballing quality.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Rodgers certainly believes the player enjoys performing for the home fans, tweeted by ESPN FC:

Many Liverpool supporters may have turned their attention toward Jordon Ibe during the Sterling situation.

The 19-year-old has worked avidly to break into the first team this season, but his run in the starting lineup was interrupted by injury. He proved to be responsible on the wing, helping out Liverpool's three-man defence and supporting attacks with an interesting combination of power, technical skill and poise on the ball.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Dominic King of the Daily Mail believes a new deal between the club and Ibe has "been agreed" but just needs the player to provide his signature. His decision to commit could also turn the heat up on Sterling, who appears to be asking for too much too soon.

Sterling's latest comments suggest he is still focused on Liverpool. He is the type of player Rodgers would love to build his team around—the forward is versatile, dutiful and quick to learn—but his contract scenario shows little sign of concluding.

Regardless of whether Sterling signs a new deal, it's likely Liverpool fans will create a song for him in the future.