Liverpool Transfer News: Jordon Ibe Contract Wait Fuels Arsenal, Chelsea Rumours

Jordon Ibe's Liverpool future is in "deadlock" because he "is refusing to put pen-to-paper on an improved contract," reported by Ken Lawrence of the Sun. 

Lawrence believes Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City continue to "watch on." He suggests Ibe has been offered £25,000 per week to commit, a massive improvement on his current £7,000 per week deal.

However, Mike Whalley of ESPN FC believes talks are "ongoing" between Ibe and the club, saying "sources insist there has been no setback in the discussions."

Clive Rose/Getty Images

Ibe wants negotiations to be sorted quickly: "Hopefully everything will get sorted out by the end of the season," reports Lawrence.

The teenager has broken into the Reds' first team this season, making 10 Premier League appearances since his successful loan spell with Championship side Derby County, per WhoScored.com. He is yet to net in the top flight but grabbed five strikes in 17 appearances for the Rams earlier this campaign.

At 19 years old, Ibe is progressing quickly. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has predominantly utilised the versatile attacker on the right flank, but he can also be deployed from the left. He possesses a sturdy frame and has been handed defensive responsibility ahead of the Reds' defence, although his most exciting play remains in the final third.

Lawrence's report indicates Ibe is one of three Liverpool players who face contract hiccups, with Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel also yet to sign. Sterling's situation is well-documented and has rolled on during the latter part of the season, which may have affected his form in recent weeks.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

As reported by Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, Arsenal and Chelsea are also said to be interested in Sterling.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will be looking to tie his talented youngsters down immediately. He should be looking to build around them with some world-class signings, per B/R UK's Sam Tighe:

Although Ibe is only just breaking into the Reds' senior lineup, he's already showed himself to be more than capable at the top level. There's a maturity about his game. He's not overawed or outwardly nervous and is already showing his quality on the ball. This bodes extremely well for the future.

Rodgers is willing to provide him with ample playing time, something he is less likely to receive at Arsenal, Chelsea or City. Similar to Sterling's situation, it seems Ibe is best suited to remaining under the tutelage of a manager who doesn't need to be convinced of his ability.