Zimpapers Logo

Raheem Sterling

Manchester United have made a sensational inquiry about the prospect of signing Liverpool’s wantaway playmaker, Raheem Sterling. No player has moved directly between the most bitter rivals in English football since Phil Chisnall moved from Old Trafford to Anfield in 1964 but United have explored the prospect of exploiting Sterling’s contract stand-off.

Liverpool flatly told United they have no interest in doing business for the England international, who has turned down the offer of a new contract and has told Brendan Rodgers that he wants to leave the club this summer.

Sterling, who was heckled at Liverpool’s end of season awards on Tuesday night, has two years remaining on his current contract and Liverpool have made it clear they do not want to sell him in the coming window.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City have all been plotting moves to varying degrees for Sterling but United’s emergence shows how vulnerable Liverpool have become and it is unlikely to be the last offer they receive.

Brendan Rodgers vowed recently that Liverpool are determined to make a stand and retain the 20-year-old yet it is going to become increasingly complicated, particularly if Sterling becomes disillusioned.

Slowly Sterling’s camp have ramped up the pressure to force Liverpool’s hand and the fact United felt encouraged enough to inquire confirms that Liverpool face a huge fight to fend off predators.

After Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland yesterday night, former Gunners forward Thierry Henry suggested that Sterling was being badly advised about his future.

“We know he is a Londoner. We all know Arsenal want him from what Arsene [Wenger] was saying yesterday,” Henry said. — Dailymail