According to reports, Chelseaa s Jose Mourinho is looking to sign Liverpoola s Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling who are yet to pen a new contract with the club, amidst interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Sterling seemed to have a public stand-off with Brendan Rodgers after he allegedly refused a deal reported to be worth A?100,000-a-week with Arsenal being linked to the English midfielder. The prolific play-maker is understood to be weighing his options and though he has 2 years left in his contract, Liverpool are keen to tie the youngster at the club for the near future. Along with Real Madrid and Arsenal, it seems that Chelsea are also now keen on signing Raheem Sterling with Jose Mourinho keenly monitoring the situation.
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that it is difficult to attract and retain talented players without the prospect of Champions League football. Currently sitting on the 5th spot in the Premier League, 7 points behind Manchester City (4th spot, with a game in hand), Liverpoola s chances of qualifying for Champions League looks bleak in the present moment.
“I think most players want to be in the Champions League. Players want to play at the top level of the game and if you’re not in the Champions League it makes it difficult for you.”
The Liverpool manager admitted that he was being realist while admitting that Champions League seemed out of reach for the club.
“I think so. I’m a realist as well.a
If Liverpool do fail to finish in the top 4, it will be difficult for Rodgers to convince Raheem Sterling to stay at the club who seems to have his heart set on making a big money move to a European powerhouse with most clubs monitoring his contract negotiations at Anfield.
Along with Raheem Sterling, reports suggest that vice-captain, Jordan Henderson, has also rejected a contract worth A? 80,000-a-week with Chelsea in the fray to sign the midfielder. Henderson has established himself as an important member of the squad under Brendan Rodgers and is seen as Steven Gerrarda s successor at Anfield. However with his contract negotiations stalled and with only a year left on his contract, it is not surprising to see Chelseaa s interest in the midfielder.
Though transfer rumours have mainly been circulating regarding Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson is likely to attract a host of suitors if he were to leave Liverpool. The club is keen to come to an understanding with their future captain and would like the player to extend his contract this summer.
However with the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid hovering around the two players, Liverpool are likely face a tough task in trying to retain the duo who seem to be the core of the Liverpool squad.
