Liverpool news and rumour round-up: Monday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Madrid prepare £35m Raheem Sterling raid
Liverpool could face losing yet another of their top stars, as the Raheem Stering contract saga rumbles on. Reports suggest that Real Madrid are prepared to double his wages, while tabling a £35m transfer bid.
Madrid will pay the 20-year-old around £120,000-a week, after suggestions that Sterling’s representatives have already knocked back a deal from the Reds which could have earned the front-man £70,000-a-week.
The European Champions know the transfer is too sensitive to be done in the current transfer window but are confident of getting their man next summer.
Wimbledon duo targeting cup upset
Dave Beasant has challenged AFC Wimbledon to pull off an incredible FA Cup shock when they take on Liverpool tonight, 27 years on from the Crazy Gang’s famous 1-0 win over the Reds.
Meanwhile, Dons captain Alan Bennett admits the prospect of facing Liverpool has turned the heads of some of his AFC Wimbledon team-mates. But the club skipper is convinced Neal Ardley’s side can get a positive result.
He said: “There is one major upset every year – we need to give ourselves the biggest chance of being the ones to produce it.”
Gerrard turns down mega-bucks offer to play in Middle East
Steven Gerrard has reportedly turned down an £18m offer to play in Qatar. Mega-rich Al Gharafa, based in the Qatari capital Doha, hoped to tempt him with a two-year deal worth more than £170,000 a week.
The Liverpool captain, who has confirmed that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, will instead join LA Galaxy. The American lifestyle appeals to Gerrard, who has a young family, ahead of a future in the desert state.
Henderson desperate for Wembley return
Jordan Henderson wants Liverpool to earn a spot at Wembley this year, as he eyes a return to the venue of one of his greatest moments in a Red shirt. Henderson was part of the team that won the League Cup in 2012.
“In my first year here, we won the Carling Cup, which was brilliant,” Henderson told reporters. “Then we got to the final of the FA Cup by beating Everton at Wembley but we lost to Chelsea, which was hard to take.
“I’ve experienced it before and it’s amazing to get to the semi-finals or the finals and experience playing at Wembley in front of the fans. It’s brilliant. I think it’s one of the best days of my career so far, winning my first trophy for Liverpool. So hopefully we can get a few more.”
Borini to fund Berahino bid
Liverpool remain interested in signing West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino, but only if they can flog unwanted forward Fabio Borini first to raise funds.
Brendan Rodgers is reportedly set to land the England strike starlet, 21, in a £23million deal, with Tottenham now looking at Burnley’s Danny Ings. But Rodgers has been told he must first recoup some cash firts.
Borini declined a £14m move to Sunderland in August but has started just one league game this season, and hasn’t scored.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news