Raheem Sterling to stay with Liverpool 'for a long time' despite Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal interest, says Ian Ayre
Sterling rejected a new contract to stay at Liverpool but managing director Ian Ayre says he's not going anywhere
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre expects Raheem Sterling to stay with the club for "a long time" after dismissing concerns over his refusal to sign a new contract.
Sterling has been the biggest talking point over the last month after refusing to sign a new deal worth £100,000-a-week, and he infuriated club officials when he gave an in-depth interview to the BBC without their approval.
The 20-year-old has asked that with two years left on his current deal, talks over a new contract be delayed until the end of the season, and it’s something that Ayre has no problem with as he sees the England international’s future at Anfield.
"Raheem's agent has asked that we park all discussions regards his future until the summer. We respect that,” Ayre was quoted as saying by a number of national newspapers.
"Raheem is a Liverpool player and has over two years left on his contract. We expect Raheem Sterling to be here for a long time."
Despite Ayre’s insistence that Sterling is going nowhere, interest continues to come from Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal. However, the club have slapped a huge £50m price tag on Sterling should any club interested in his services want to make a bid in the summer.
Away from contract negotiations, Sterling also became the subject of a newspaper revelation after he was pictured inhaling nitrous oxide – known as ‘hippie crack – as well as smoking a shisha pipe on two separate occasions.
However, The Independent understands that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will not punish Sterling for his actions given that they were not illegal, and the Northern Irishman is more concerned with the company that he is keeping given that it is his friends that have leaked the video and pictures.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments