Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Liverpool's want-away winger Raheem Sterling as manager Louis van Gaal looks to further strengthen his squad this summer.
The 20-year-old, who has managed to establish himself as an important player for Liverpool over the last couple of seasons, recently turned down a new £1,00,000-a-week deal at Anfield, saying that he would only open contract talks with the club at the end of the season.
However, many reports are claiming that Sterling does not want to sign a new contract at Anfield, and he will soon be submitting a formal transfer request.
It is understood that the youngster, who earlier claimed that he is motivated by trophies rather than money, and his agent Aidy Ward will be soon meeting with Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre to sort out his future and determine whether he will stay or go this summer.
Many clubs including Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to be closely monitoring Sterling situation, so that they can pounce as soon as it is confirmed that he will be leaving Anfield this summer.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United have also joined the race to sign Sterling, despite them just recently completing the £25m transfer of the PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay.
It is believed that the Red Devils have made inquiries about Sterling's availability even though it is highly unlikely that Liverpool would be willing to sell to their bitter north-west rivals.
Some reports claim that Liverpool have already told United that Sterling, who has scored seven goals and made seven assists in the Premier League this season, will not be sold to them at any price.
However, it still remains to be seen whether Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group will still remain stern in their resolve to not sell Sterling, who was booed by a section of Liverpool fans when he picked up the club's young player of the year award on Tuesday, if United come up with a very generous offer.
If Liverpool do manage to keep Sterling this summer, the same way they did when Arsenal wanted to sign Suarez ahead of the 2013/14 season, then the winger, who still has two more years remaining on his current 35,000-a-week contract, would be losing over £3 million in wages due to him rejecting the new £1,00,000-a-week deal.
