Liverpool could force Raheem Sterling to stay at Anfield until January
Posted Saturday, July 11, 2015 by Dailystar.co.uk
DIGGING IN: Liverpool could make Raheem Sterling stay at the club
LIVERPOOL are ready to play hardball with Manchester City and force Raheem Sterling to stay at Anfield until January.
Brendan Rodgers' side were prepared for a third bid from their moneybags Premier League rivals last night as they hold out for a minimum £50 million fee.
But it is understood that City are not prepared to go anywhere near that valuation.
If that is the case, word has come down from Liverpool's American owners that they will refuse to consider allowing Sterling to quit before the January transfer window.
If the summer window closes without a deal, Rodgers then has the authority to either insist on the striker knuckling down in the Anfield first team or rotting in the reserves.
Liverpool leave for their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia on Sunday.
And it is widely expected that Sterling will NOT be on the team plane after phoning in sick and missing training earlier in the week.
Indeed, Liverpool's understanding was that City are so keen for Sterling not to fly out with the Reds that they wanted a move agreed by this weekend, which now seems unlikely.
Sterling has been told to sort his act out by former Anfield skipper Steven Gerrard who told Sky Sports News: "I'm not happy with all that carry-on. He needs to go in and see the owners. You don't have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour.
"There are millions of Liverpool fans waiting to see Raheem pull on a Liverpool shirt.
"It looks very disappointing from where I'm sat. The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too."
Liverpool confirmed yesterday that Jordan Henderson has taken over as skipper from Gerrard, who is set to make his LA Galaxy debut this weekend.
Henderson, 25, said: "I'm absolutely delighted and proud. It is a great honour and a huge privilege."
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