Rodgers setting Sterling up for Liverpool sale?

Teenage prodigy may seek a move out if the Reds fail to deliver

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  • Staff
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Raheem Sterling is the brightest star to emerge from Liverpool this season. (FILE)

Either Brendan Rodgers is trying to play smart or willing to talk business come January in his refusal to get carried away by the exploits of Liverpool's teenage prodigy Raheem Sterling.

The England Under-21 winger has emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects to descend on the Premier League from the Kop this season.

Sterling carved a niche for himself by becoming the second youngest top-flight scorer in Liverpool history when his crisp finish against Reading on Saturday securing their first home Barclays Premier League win of the season.

"At 17, he’s still got an awful long way to go, so it’s important I try to manage him properly. We want to have him here as a legend for many years. We don’t want him getting carried away with all the adulation and then find, at 21, he’s washed up and everyone wants him out," Rodgers was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail (http://bit.ly/VrEIMd).

"Right up until now, Raheem has been brilliant. He’s got a lovely way about him. He’s made the transition from the academy very well, and it’s brilliant for the supporters, because they love to see young players come in and do so well. We will be doing our utmost to make sure that it continues."

Clearly he does not want the youngster to get carried away having already ticked hiim off publicly at half-time for his over-exhuberance in the 2-2 home draw with Manchester City.

"The biggest thing with me is just maintaining the hunger that he’s got now, because you see when he’s got that, and he’s learning and developing, that he can be a really top player. It’s a long way to go for him but, up to now, he’s been a revelation," said Rodgers acutely aware about his potential worth other clubs be interested in him.

Rodgers could cash in especially if Liverpool does not finish among the top six and Sterling shows ambition of wanting to play Champions League football.

Liverpool are languishing in 12th position now.

The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United will be watching closely, while Arsenal will be best suited to harness the prodigious talents of Liverpool's brightest star.

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Comments

  • Frost 23 October 2012 05:51 3 0
    Terrible article, suggestive with no fact or content to back up what is ultimately starting pointless rumours. A few games into the season and you already suggest he will look elsewhere for Champions League football. Let him establish himself in the Liverpool team first! He has a long way to go and Rodgers comments make complete sense.
  • Anthony 22 October 2012 20:56 2 0
    And for the record Suso is Liverpool's best youngster.
  • dale marlow 22 October 2012 19:46 2 0
    Am I the only one who can see similarities with the situation about 20 years ago when a 17 year-old Ryan Giggs emerged. He was also part of a group that included several gems that became first team regulars. With Suso, Wisdom, Sinclair, Morgan, Yesil, Ibe, McLaughlin, Coady, Robinson and Ojo to name but a handful, things are looking pretty healthy for us.
  • Peter m 22 October 2012 12:57 12 3
    Firstly even if he wanted to, rogers knows he would be lynched i he sold sterling. Secondly, i dont see and Good reason at all why liverpool won't be in the mix for top 4 come the end of the season. Thirdly, there is a lot of nonsense talked about playing in the champions league in my view. And finaly, Arsenal - you really have to be kidding. Have you looked at the league table?
  • Deebo 22 October 2012 10:18 27 1
    I know you''re trying to labour the point that Liverpool are a selling club, but having seen top players like Suarez, Agger, Skrtel and Lucas pledge their future to the club and only really Torres leaving recently, what brings you to the conclusion that we have to sell a 17 year old? What makes you think that he's demanding Champions League football when he hasn't played for England yet?
  • john 22 October 2012 10:02 21 3
    He's a Liverpool player so stop looking on with jealous eyes and trying so childishly to create an issue. besides arsenal Will not be champions league this yr and they are a selling club.
  • RG 22 October 2012 09:13 22 2
    Why would Sterling ever be sold!?!

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