LIVERPOOL FC winger Raheem Sterling has agreed a new five-year deal to stay at the club.
The 18-year-old winger will end speculation about his future by penning a long-term deal in the next 48 hours, after his representatives reached an agreement with managing director Ian Ayre.
Sterling, who won his first England cap against Sweden last month, has been ever-present in the Premier League since making his full debut against Manchester City back in August.
Boss Brendan Rodgers had warned about the dangers of rewarding Sterling with too much too soon, but after weeks of negotiations a compromise deal has been reached which satisfies all the parties.
His new deal will include a number of performance-related targets as Liverpool look to ensure he retains the hunger which has seen him make such a massive impact in the Premier League.
The Reds are also on the brink of completing a £4m deal for Blackpool winger Tom Ince.
Liverpool are also keen on snapping up Daniel Sturridge, who they believe will provide a welcome injection of firepower, but they have made it clear they won’t be held to ransom by the England international.
The Reds have spent more than £30m in agents’ fees over the past four years and owners Fenway Sports Group are determined to ensure that eye-watering figure is dramatically reduced.
As a result, the club are prepared to play hardball with Sturridge’s representatives, who have been haggling for a number of costly clauses to be included in the frontman’s deal.
