Liverpool's talented young attacking forward, Raheem Sterling, is reportedly set to reject any contract advances from the Reds when the two parties re-open contract talks next week when the campaign ends.
According to reports in the last few minutes, Raheem is unhappy with the way they've dealt with his contract situation, and he'll make a decision as to where his future lies in the next fortnight. In the words of Sky Sports, Sterling feels the club have tried to "bully" him into signing a new deal and that he doesn't think they have protected him from negative headlines in the media. He is also angry that details of previous contract offers (which he rejected) have been leaked publicly.
Sterling is due to meet with manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre at the end of this week, and he's expected to make a formal decision as to whether he wants to stay at the club or not then. As it stands, it is expected that the 20-year-old will tell those at Anfield that he will NOT be signing a new contract extension, with his current deal having just less than two years left to run. Many European clubs have been reportedly interested in him, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain just a few in the mix to fight for his signature, if he does decide he wants to leave.
Last month, Raheem clearly stated that his decision will not be based around money but be motivated by the will to win trophies. It is believed that the Reds' current stance on their young talent stays the same, they've reiterated he is not for sale unless he personally says otherwise.
January 22, Brendan Rodgers: "I would think that, [his contract] would be concluded very imminently, so, as you can see, the player is very happy. He's working, there is nothing to do with Raheem, as he wants to be here so.. hopefully that will be made clear very soon."
March 20, Rodgers: "It's been made clear by the boy himself - he just wants to concentrate on his football. He'll see what can be resolved in the summer; we believe this is a good place for him."
April 2, Rodgers: "At the moment, I'm quite relaxed. He's not going anywhere in the summer, this is one of the great clubs of the footballing world and as I've said, for him to be playing here, is an honour in itself to play for a club like Liverpool in-front of our great supporters. Money doesn't come into the question here, the club does not want to sell, we are not going to sell, as simple as that."
Last Thursday, captain Steven Gerrard: "My opinion is that he should sign a new deal, I personally think it'll be the best for his career but that's something that I can't control. But the young lads here, they've got no better manager to learn off [than Rodgers], and get attention off, as Brendan's a fantastic man-manager. He puts a lot of time and effort into every individual in the squad, the danger for these younger players is that they want it all too soon."
