Raheem Sterling: Jose Mourinho wades into the debate over Liverpool winger's future as he admits 'every player has a price'

Mourinho used Eden Hazard as an example after claiming he would have sold him for the right price if he didn't want to sign his new contract

Jose Mourinho believes every player has his price after being asked about Raheem Sterling's future (Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes "every player has a price" and he would sell an unhappy squad member.

Mourinho used Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, who recently signed a new contract until 2020, as a hypothetical example when Raheem Sterling's situation at Liverpool came up on Friday.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers this week insisted Sterling was not for sale after talks over the England forward's contract reached an impasse.

Mourinho understands the approach of Rodgers and Liverpool, but would treat the situation differently, just as he did when Zlatan Ibrahimovic wanted to leave Inter Milan for Barcelona.

"I don't like players that don't want to play for me and my club, clearly," said Mourinho, speaking ahead of the Barclays Premier League leaders' clash with Stoke.

"Every player has a price. It doesn't matter which player.

Sterling's future at Liverpool has come into serious doubt (Getty Images)

"If you ask me now, for example, Eden Hazard; we can speak about him because he's signed a new contract.

"Do I want him to leave Chelsea? No. If he wants to leave, if he doesn't want to work with me, if he doesn't want to play for Chelsea, does Eden Hazard have a price? I think he has a price.

"He's the best player in the Premier League, so I go to the best as an example."

Mourinho used Hazard as an example because 'he is the best in the league' (GETTY IMAGES)

Mourinho, though, stressed the final decision was with the club.

He added: "I also understand the philosophy of managers and clubs who want to keep the players at any price, who want just to say, 'there is no price to sell - the player stays, whatever'.

"My philosophy is not better than that - it's just different.

"Either way when a player has a contract with a club, the club, the manager and the board have the power to decide what to do.

"The club that sells is in control - not the club that buys, not the player, not the agent, not the cousin."

Mourinho could be faced with a difficult decision himself this summer as Petr Cech voiced his frustrations with being second-choice goalkeeper at the club after a decade as number one.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Sterling (GETTY IMAGES)

The Portuguese, who brought Cech to Chelsea from Rennes in 2004 and made him first choice, suggested the Czech Republic international will have a say in his future.

"Petr Cech is not a player - he's an institution," Mourinho said.

"Ten years in goal, going through everything he went through, great moments and sad moments, dying on the pitch.

"Chelsea gave him a lot, but for what he is giving to the club still, he deserves a special perspective.

"I think he won the right to be part of a discussion and a decision."

Cech could leave Chelsea in the summer (GETTY IMAGES)

Cech's possible farewell could come in Japan, with Chelsea considering a post-season tour should they win the Premier League.

Japan "would make some sense" as a destination after Yokohama Rubber became their shirt sponsor from next season on a five-year deal.

"We'll go on an after-season tour," Mourinho added. "It's something we are thinking about, as a good way to celebrate."

Chelsea play Sunderland in the final Premier League game of the season on May 24 and the tour could take place the following week.

PA