Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Expected to Leave by Michael Owen

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen expects Raheem Sterling to leave Anfield this summer, but he suggests the club's supporters shouldn't worry because he is "replaceable."

Speaking at the launch of BT Sport Europe, Owen suggested Sterling's likely departure won't be anywhere near as catastrophic for Liverpool as last summer's loss of Luis Suarez. His comments were reported by Paul Brown of the Mirror:

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I think he is a very good player but, put it this way, a year ago they lost Suarez. He is irreplaceable. You cannot replace someone that good. If Liverpool lose Sterling they can replace him. Certainly with the money that they would get. I think you can replace Sterling. I wouldn't be losing sleep if he did leave and you got a fair old chunk of money for him, because I think he is replaceable.

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Owen believes there is no way back for Sterling, who has stalled on signing a £100,000 per week contract, reported by BBC Sport's Natalie Pirks. "I do think now it's gone a bit too far," said Owen, per Brown. "I expect him not be a Liverpool player.

"If he was in two minds then the reaction of the fans, and with a sour taste in his mouth about everything that has happened, he would probably look into starting afresh again," said the former Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United man. 

At the start of April, Sterling told Pirks that he doesn't want to be seen as a "money-grabbing 20-year-old" and that trophies are most important to him. He also admitted craving Champions League football in an interview that was not approved by the club.

Sterling's form varied wildly throughout the 2014-15 season, perhaps as a result of his ongoing saga at the club. He scored seven and assisted seven in the Premier League, not bad numbers for a player of his age, per WhoScored.com. However, his yearning to move on has forced many to judge him more harshly.

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There's no doubt Sterling's recent form hasn't been good enough. The winger has scored and assisted just one goal in his last 14 matches, including England's recent 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland. He was booed by sections of the Irish crowd, per Sky Sports, after being jeered by Liverpool supporters during the 6-1 defeat to Stoke City at the end of May.

Mark Ogden of the Telegraph commented on Sterling's progression during his recent Three Lions performance:

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United continue to be linked with the player, reported by the Guardian (h/t the Telegraph). Sterling would be an excellent addition for any of the Premier League's elite, and once this ongoing situation ends, he can finally focus on playing football.

He is sturdily built, extremely quick and confident enough to take on opponents. However, the former Queens Park Rangers man needs to work on his finishing and delivery. Fans will hark back to when he rounded United goalkeeper David De Gea before failing to apply the finish in December's 3-0 loss. Missed opportunities are a key feature of his game right now.

B/R UK's Stan Collymore believes Sterling could have the world at his feet or fail to live up to his potential:

Owen's comments on the youngster are likely to be echoed by many. Suarez netted 31 goals in his final Premier League season with the club before winning the treble with Barcelona during the 2014-15 campaign. Sterling's output doesn't come close, but he has the skills to develop into a world-class player.

However, he can use Suarez's immediate success away from Liverpool as evidence that the grass could be greener elsewhere.