The Times’ football editor Tony Evans confirms Liverpool fans’ worst nightmare claiming Raheem Sterling will definitely leave Anfield.
Manchester City have reportedly had a number of bids rejected, two being £30m and £35m plus add-ons and now the journalist admits that a bid up to £45m will see the England winger head to the Etihad.
Talking to the Transfer Tavern, Evans said: “Yes, he’s definitely going. I don’t think there’s any way back there, I think the relationship has broken down completely.
“City’s next offer which will likely be £40m plus £5m (add-ons) would probably get accepted.
“I don’t think Liverpool expected them to go as high as they did with the last offer (£35m + £5m add-ons).”
Asked on whether it was good business for the club, Evans said: “Well he’s clearly not the finished product, however, he has great potential. But, if you’ve got to let your best players go then it is not a good look.”
Evans also confirmed Liverpool’s interest in 1889 Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino.
He said: “There’s going to be a lot of interest in for him I’d expect him to head to a Champions League club but he’s a name to replace Sterling with at the moment.
“Without the attraction of Champions League football, with a relatively low wage structure, I’m not so sure the transfer will happen. The fee will be way above £20m, at least in the £25m range and one of the things they do like about him is his versatility. It’s been a constant thread in Liverpool’s transfer business, players that can play in all kind of positions.
Also on Brendan Rodgers’ radar is Inter Milan star Mateo Kovavic. However, Evans was quickly to rubbish any link between the two.
Dismissing the report, he claimed: “I keep hearing his name linked with the club but i’ve heard nothing about him from someone at the club that i would believe that there is a link there. In reality, i think he will be going to a team playing Champions League football, i just can’t see him coming to Anfield.