Liverpool Transfer News: Raheem Sterling Sale Urged Amid Manchester City Rumours

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has urged Reds boss Brendan Rodgers to cash in on Raheem Sterling before the squad returns for pre-season training next week.

Manchester City continue to be linked with the Englishman's signature, as reported by Simon Rice of the Independent. Having already had a deal worth £40 million rejected, it seems either the player's valuation of £50 million is met or Sterling will remain at Anfield next season.

This possibility is beginning to linger, despite the player's agent Aidy Ward confirming his client won't sign a new contract on Merseyside even if Liverpool offer £900,000 per week, per the London Evening Standard (h/t Hamish Mackay of the Mirror). 

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Aldridge believes Sterling should be discarded for the good of the club. He wrote on Kicca (h/t London24.com): "Brendan Rodgers should let Raheem Sterling leave now. The sooner he leaves the better for all involved. All this transfer talk is making a mockery of Liverpool Football Club."

The former Republic of Ireland international also believes Rodgers has a ready-made alternative at his disposal:

"

Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordon Ibe. I think he’s got as much, if not more, potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player.

Sterling is obviously too young to think for himself so his agent has been doing his thinking for him. For the sake of Liverpool Football Club they should take the millions on offer and then everybody will be better off.

Raheem will be a bit richer and Liverpool will be rid of a player who doesn’t want to play for the club. It’s a win-win. Manchester City are a big club and Raheem will get paid well and play Champions League football so he will be happy.

"

Aldridge's opinion differs wildly to that of Guardian writer Paul Doyle, who believes Sterling should be handed more responsibility at Liverpool:

Rodgers may have even brought Jordon Ibe into the first-team reckoning with Sterling's saga in mind. Ibe made seven starts and five substitute appearances in the Premier League last season—after starring during his pre-Christmas loan spell at Derby County—and proved himself to be an exciting talent in the Liverpool shirt.

He is well-built, tactically astute and willing to work hard whether he has the ball or not. Ibe showed his quality in an attacking wing-back role ahead of three central defenders when he first entered the team. He progressively moved forward as Rodgers altered his tactics in search of a winning formula and is well placed to build on his quality showings next season.

Sterling has already passed along this route. The 20-year-old is exactly a year older than Ibe and has developed beyond the initial stage of being an exciting youngster. He produced seven goals and seven assists during the 2014-15 Premier League campaign, per WhoScored.com. However, as contract negotiations stalled and transfer rumours swelled, Sterling suffered a poor run of form during the final weeks of the campaign.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

He is quicker than Ibe and more likely to knock the ball beyond opponents than to power his way through. One of Sterling's most obvious weaknesses right now is his finishing. He doesn't lack composure in front of goal—he isn't someone who becomes outwardly flustered—but he has a tendency to over-think simple chances. It will be interesting to see how Ibe reacts when he is put through on goal.

Rodgers has already brought in James Milner, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan and Roberto Firmino before the official opening of the transfer window. Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne is likely to be next, as reported by Sam Cunningham of the MailOnline. The 24-year-old could form a quality partnership with Ibe down the right flank, one which could stand Liverpool and England in good stead for years to come.

The question is whether Sterling will be their club and international team-mate. B/R UK's Sam Tighe recently looked at his potential suitors:

Aldridge is certain the youngster should depart and follows the "no one is bigger than the club" stance. The reality is Liverpool face losing a starlet who could be built around for years to come.

Ibe's emergence can quash the frustration somewhat, but if Sterling becomes a top player at City or elsewhere, he'll provide a weekly reminder of what could have been for the Merseyside club.