Real Madrid have reportedly requested talks with Liverpool over the possible signing of England forward Raheem Sterling in a £45m deal this summer.
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Liverpool transfer gossip
The Spanish giants are big admirers of the talented 20-year-old, who has impressed as part of the Reds first-team once again this season, having enjoyed a superb breakthrough year in 2013/14.
Widely regarded as one of the most promising young players in Europe, Sterling could be a good fit at the Bernabeu, with Real now hoping to discuss a move for the wide man later this summer. The Sun suggest that talks could be opened on June 14th when Liverpool representatives are in the Spanish capital for a legends match.
The Sun’s report claims that incoming manager Rafael Benitez would also be keen to work with Sterling, and a move for Madrid to bring in a new winger makes sense after a difficult run of form for Gareth Bale in the first team.
The Welshman has proven unpopular with Real’s fans this season, with the Daily Mail reporting last month that he was targeted for abuse after a poor performance against Juventus in the Champions League, which ultimately saw the club exit the competition at the semi-final stage.
Bale may have had a fine first season in Spain, winning the Copa del Rey and Champions League and scoring in both finals, but Sterling could be an improvement based on this season’s form.
Still, Sterling’s future remains up in the air, with the Daily Star reporting earlier this week that the attacker may favour a move to Arsenal or Chelsea this summer, as he would prefer to move to London over other possible destinations. Although Real are supposedly willing to splash out on the player, he himself may hold out for his favoured move to either the Emirates Stadium or Stamford Bridge.
It could be a difficult summer for Liverpool, with Sterling’s exit surely set to be another big blow for the club after they also lost Luis Suarez to Barcelona last summer, resulting in dropping out of the top four.