With Daily Mail reports that Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has put contract talks on hold, speculation is rife that the wonderkid could be on his way out of Anfield in the summer.
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But Liverpool have been in situations where star players depart on numerous occasions and more often than not, they seem to always have an answer up their sleeves.
When Michael Owen left, Fernando Torres was soon on the scene, then when the Spaniard joined Chelsea for £50m, Luis Suarez was waiting in the wings so it’s a scenario that should not faze the Reds.
Although losing Sterling would be a hammer blow to Brendan Rodgers and the rest of the team, we’ve pick out five players that could fill a potential void left by the 20-year-old:
5) Roberto Firmino
Linked to Anfield earlier this month by the Metro. Has six goals and seven assists for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga this season and also scored the winner for Brazil against Chile in a recent friendly at the Emirates Stadium.
4) Marco Reus
If Liverpool do decide to cash in on Sterling for a hefty fee, the German would be the ideal replacement. Despite an injury hit season, the Dortmund star has still managed to score seven and assist five in just 16 appearances.
3) Theo Walcott
The Reds have been linked with the Arsenal forward in the past month by the Telegraph among other newspapers. In a further twist though, a straight swap could actually be on the cards with Arsenal reportedly keeping tabs on Sterling according to the Daily Mirror.
2) Pedro
The Barcelona winger is behind the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar at the Nou Camp and has reportedly been told he can leave the Catalan giants for £15m with Liverpool linked according to the Daily Mirror.
Pedro has still managed to score an impressive 10 goals this season.
1) Jordon Ibe
The option to promote from within the club could be most appealing for Rodgers. Youngster Ibe has shown glimpses of his enormous talent since returning from a loan spell at Derby County and could be the answer should Sterling leave.