Analysing the pros and cons of fighting to keep Raheem Sterling at Liverpool

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The Reds face a huge battle to convince Raheem Sterling to extend his contract at Anfield…

Debate has been raging this week over the latest development in the Raheem Sterling contract saga. The 20-year-old spoke out on Wednesday as part of an in-depth interview with the BBC, rejecting claims that he is ‘money-grabbing’.

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According to the follow-up report (mentioned here in the Telegraph), Sterling has already turned down a new £100,000-a-week deal, and has – until at least the end of the current campaign – ruled out extending his contract beyond the summer of 2017.

Brendan Rodgers has since said, speaking in his press conference (via the Mirror) on Thursday, that the England international will definitely stay put this summer, and has reiterated his belief that he will eventually put pen to paper on an extension.

While many supporters have voiced their frustration at the player himself, the likely realisation that this is the customary ploy of an agent trying to get his talented young client the best possible deal.

Nonetheless, the whole situation begs the question of whether we should be retaining such a narrowed focus on convincing him to stay. In the list below, we count down the pros and cons of doing so…

PRO – Best young player on the planet

Sterling won the Golden Boy award for the world’s best young player for 2014. It’s a prestigious honour, won in the past by the likes of Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Paul Pogba and Sergio Aguero. He’s been an integral part of our team for the last three years, and his importance within our squad needs to be recognised.

CON – Wants too much too soon

Sterling is just 20. If he wants £150,000 now, what will he want in five years time? He believes he’s not ‘money-grabbing’ by making such demands, but how is there a more appropriate term? How many people of his age are earning a six-figure weekly fee? He’s incredibly lucky, and should recognise his privileged position.

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