Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Raheem Sterling and Memphis Depay Rumours

Liverpool fans will be enticed to learn Raheem Sterling and Memphis Depay could line up in the same team next year after manager Brendan Rodgers hinted the former won't be sold, regardless of his contract status.

Speaking prior to the Reds' 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, Rodgers was quoted by the Liverpool Echo's James Pearce as saying Sterling's contract concerns won't affect his immediate Anfield future: 

"

We’re still pretty relaxed on it. 

The club will pick it up again with Raheem’s representatives in the summer. 

Everyone wants to win trophies and play in the big competitions. We will just reinforce what our stance has been all along. 

This is the best club for him at this moment where he has the opportunity to play, to fight and to be competitive.

"

Sterling has caused some disruption at Anfield after rejecting the offer of a £100,000-a-week, five-year contract, according to Pearce's report, with just over two years left on his current deal.

However, ex-Liverpool star striker Michael Owen compared the winger to former Red Luis Suarez when appearing on BT Sport on Saturday, insisting the club could cope with his departure:

Pearce mentions Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as two of the clubs to have become linked with Sterling's name since the topic of his Anfield exit came into the public forum.

Contrary to Owen's belief, however, Sterling has remained a key ingredient under Rodgers this season and sits as their joint-top scorer alongside Steven Gerrard, per This Is Anfield:

The fact remains, however, that Rodgers may not be the one making the decisions at Anfield this summer as some sections of the Liverpool support begin to lose faith in his management.

As reported by Sky Sports, a banner reading "Rodgers Out, Rafa In" (referring to ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez) was flown over Anfield during the clash against QPR:

Bleacher Report's Stan Collymore believes Sterling's decision will come to have a great impact on his career, coming to question the youngster's morals to some extent:

With negotiations poised to be reopened at the end of the campaign, only then will the club learn their player's true intentions and what it might take to extend his loyalties on Merseyside.

Champions League Not Critical to Memphis Depay

The Reds' pursuit of PSV Eindhoven star Memphis Depay has taken a considerable turn for the better after it came to light Champions League football may not make or break their chances of signing the Dutchman.

Pearce writes for the Liverpool Echo, saying that "sources close to the player" claim Depay has the Premier League in his sights and is more interested in finding a club where he can command a first-team spot and develop.

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It's wise thinking on the forward's part, as so many players his age make the mistake of opting for the biggest destinations only to fade into obscurity among the star-studded ranks, never to realise their potential.

As noted by Pearce, these claims also arrive after PSV sporting director Marcel Brands said Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain were “a step ahead” in the pursuit of the Eredivisie top scorer this season.

Depay bagged 21 goals in 28 league appearances to aid PSV massively in their run for the Dutch league title and looks primed for a summer departure, with a host of European giants allegedly circling his services.

Despite Brands' comments, though, Paul Little of the Irish Daily Star feels PSV are merely plotting what's best for them when it comes to a sale:

One could understand Liverpool's interest in the player given that a drastic fall in scoring rate has been the main difference between this season and the title challenge of 2013-14.

Luis Suarez led the Reds to a total haul of 101 goals in 38 Premier League games last term; this season, the club have managed just 49 in 35 games.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Having lined up on the wing in his past, Depay would perhaps not arrive at Anfield intended as a central striking hub or to compete directly with Daniel Sturridge, but could act as a versatile component across the forward line.

Liverpool will take any small victories they can for the time being and rest easier in the knowledge they could stand a great chance of landing one of Europe's most sought-after prospects.