Manchester United made a shock enquiry for Raheem Sterling that pretty much gave a glimpse of how the saga of the summer (already) is going to unfold.
Liverpool ECHO report: United have made an enquiry to Liverpool about contract rebel Sterling who is said to have told Anfield officials he does not want to sign a new contract.
Liverpool have firmly told United that Sterling, who has two years left on his current Reds deal, is not for sale.
United boss Louis van Gaal is understood to be prepared to ignore the bitter rivalry between the clubs to bid for Sterling.
Despite Liverpoola s insistence that Sterling is not for sale, something they have maintained for two months, United know that there is a chance that the wantaway attacker will go for a hefty price this summer as he has made it clear he does not want to stick with the Merseyside club. Both Manchester City and Chelsea are monitoring developments.
Louis van Gaal has finished the season by getting Champions League back at Old Trafford and the Dutchman knows he will need to bolster his squad to compete in four competitions as well as compete for the title next season. Raheem Sterling is one of the most dangerous young players in Europe and could be huge player for United.
Liverpool and Manchester United share a bitter rivalry and it is an audacious move on United’s part to approach for Sterling. No player has moved between the clubs since Phil Chisnall joined Liverpool from United in 1964. When former Liverpool manager Rafa Ben tez tried to sign Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United back in 2007, United successfully blocked the move, saying that it was their club policy not to negotiate with Liverpool.
Sterling and his agent Aidy Ward are expected to discuss the United approach when they meet Brendan Rodgers and Ian Ayre on Friday.
There are reports that City are prepared to open the bidding at A?40a million, while paying Sterling A?200,000 a week. If that really is the case, it makes a mockery of Sterlinga s representatives agitating over the past few months.
Needless to say, this is just getting started so brace yourself for a summer of Sterling rumors, till he either moves to a new club or signs a new contract.