Liverpool F.C. manager Brendan Rodgers is “quite relaxed” regarding a new deal for star winger Raheem Sterling, despite ongoing speculation that contract talks have stalled.
According to Rodgers, the England international, 20, has been offered an ‘incredible’ deal to stay on Merseyside, but the player has yet to agree personal terms.
The delay over a new deal could entice bids from European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, who have both been linked with Sterling in recent times.
“There is nothing new to report on it, I am quite relaxed about Raheem’s situation,” Rodgers said.
“He is not going anywhere in a hurry. He has still got this season and another couple of years to go on his contract.
“I think it is quite obvious, when you look at Raheem’s situation, that anyone with Raheem’s best interests would see Liverpool as the best option for his career.
“He turned 20 in December and he has made 114 appearances, which is a remarkable amount at a club of this size.
“He has made it clear himself that he loves being here, and I think he was quoted as saying this is the best place for any young player to develop, so that makes me quite relaxed.
“I am sure the club and his representatives will find the solution for that.
“We have a track record here of developing talents, bringing them through, giving them the opportunity, and there will be more players like Raheem who will get the opportunity.
“Regarding his situation, I am quite relaxed.”
When asked why he thought an extension had yet to be agreed, Rodgers added: “I’m not sure, it is not in my area really.
“I speak to Raheem about his football and concentrate on his football and see what goes from there.”
Sterling has tallied six goals and seven assists in 26 English Premier League appearances this season.
LVG could let Di Maria go
Manchester United F.C. loss Louis van Gaal has revealed he would be open to allowing Angel di Maria to leave the club on compassionate grounds if the player continues to feel unsettled after an attempted break-in at his home last month.
When asked if he would let Di Maria leave on compassionate grounds, LVG said: “I am always like that. When you see my history, that’s part of my philosophy. A player is not just a man who kicks the ball from A to B. His environment is influencing him.
“I shall always be open but I know that the commercial interests of the club and we have to respect that. You cannot give a lot of money for a player and next season put him out of your selection.”
The Argentina international, who joined United from Real Madrid for a British record £59.7 million last summer, bagged three goals and three assists in his first five league appearances for the Red Devils, but has managed just five assists in his last 21 games.
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