Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is already plotting an ambitious move for Reds forward Raheem Sterling, despite not even having been confirmed as the new Real Madrid manager.
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Liverpool transfer news
As the Daily Mirror reports, the Spaniard is the heavy favourite to land the job with the outgoing European Champions, and is already eyeing up a move for Sterling – who he first helped sign for us from Queens Park Rangers, shortly before his Anfield departure.
He’ll face heavy competition for the youngster’s signature this time around however. The Mirror believe that Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on the 20-year-old contract rebel, who could yet be convinced to stay on Merseyside.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed last week that we still want the youngster, who has two years remaining on his current contract, to remain with us. In quotes taken by Sky Sports, he said: “Raheem has two years left and I expect him to see that two years through and continue to behave as immaculately as he has done.”
Unfortunately for us, the Mirror believes that Sterling feels he has a special relationship with Benitez, who took the trouble to show him around the our club training ground when he was just 15-years-old.
Sterling’s agent, Aidy Ward, has previously claimed that his client would not move abroad (via the Daily Express). But it appears the combination of Benitez and Madrid could be enough to change his mind.