Liverpool Transfer News: Real Madrid Plan Raheem Sterling Talks, Latest Rumours

Real Madrid will put together a £45 million bid for Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, according to Antony Kastrinakis of the Sun (h/t Jamie Anderson of the Daily Star).

Kastrinakis's original article suggests the Spanish giants will "open talks" with Liverpool in the next two weeks, while Anderson confirmed the two clubs will speak when the Reds head to the Bernabeu for an arranged friendly on June 14.

"It's believed the Reds are more willing to sell Sterling to Spain rather than a Premier League rival," wrote Anderson, who believes a deal including a "reduced up-front fee" and "considerable add-ons" could see Los Blancos secure the want-away Englishman.

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Neil Henderson of the BBC tweeted the Sun's headline:

Sterling has continually been linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, as reported by Ben Jefferson of the Express. Fuelling the title bid of a rival team would be frustrating from Liverpool's point of view, particularly as Sterling has the potential to develop into one of the Premier League's best.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently looked at potential landing spots for Sterling:

Manager Brendan Rodgers is closing in on the signing of versatile City star James Milner, as reported by BBC Sport. The Anfield side are "increasingly confident" of tying the former Leeds United man down on a free, according to the aforementioned report. He would be an intelligent signing in a post-Steven Gerrard era, the kind of hard-working, driven player who can contribute in multiple positions.

Sam Wallace of the Independent suggests Burnley striker Danny Ings may also sign for the Merseyside club soon:

It's perhaps too early for Ings to lead Liverpool's line, but the 22-year-old recently outlined his potential with an 11-goal debut season in the Premier League. He could thrive with greater service, and after Liverpool missed out on signing Loic Remy last summer, he would finally provide the pace needed through the Reds' centre.

Milner and Ings are both quality signings in their own right. They address the squad's needs, but when judged together, they may seem a little unambitious. Liverpool supporters will likely crave a superstar signing up front or in midfield. While Milner and Ings have the quality to be extremely useful, their arrivals aren't going to make rival fans jealous.

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Sterling's likely departure would be a massive setback for the club. Rodgers no doubt wanted to build around the former Queens Park Rangers man, but after losing Luis Suarez last summer, he once again faces the task of replacing one of his most important men.

The Northern Irishman enters his fourth season at Anfield without winning a trophy and having qualified for the Champions League only once. His summer signings will not only define Liverpool's 2015-16 campaign, they are also likely to play a major role in his longevity at the club.