Raheem Sterling wants to further talks over Liverpool future

Raheem Sterling has put Manchester City on alert that he will agitate for a move away from Liverpool after requesting further talks on his future with Anfield officials before the end of the Premier League season on Sunday.

Sterling, 20, had informed his manager, Brendan Rodgers, that negotiations over a new contract would be postponed until the end of the season in order to concentrate solely on his football. However, the forward's representative, Aidy Ward, is now expected to hold talks with the club before their game at Stoke City. The revised date of the meeting is believed to have been instigated by the player's side and has increased concerns at Liverpool that Sterling will ask to be sold this summer.

Sterling, who has been linked with City and Arsenal in recent months, has seen his form dip markedly since the controversy erupted over his rejection of a five-year contract worth £100,000 per week. Liverpool have been in discussions over a new deal since October but remain at deadlock over an agreement, and the lack of Champions League football at Anfield next season may undermine their prospects of persuading the winger to sign an extension.

Liverpool do have Sterling under a £35,000-a-week contract until 2017 and Rodgers has made it clear that he and the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, are minded not to sell even in the event of the impasse continuing beyond this summer. The Liverpool manager said recently: “Raheem won’t be going anywhere this summer, even if there’s not a deal agreed.”

Rodgers and FSG, however, may receive confirmation that Sterling envisages his future away from Anfield in the coming days and City, keen to recruit young British talent this summer, will be favourites to capitalise on the continued deterioration in relations.