Sterling agrees new Liverpool deal

The England midfielder has been monitored by the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City although has been convinced to commit his future to the Anfield club

Liverpool have reached a breakthrough in contract talks with England ace Raheem Sterling despite interest from Barcelona, Goal understands.

 
Sterling has three years left on his current deal, which he signed in 2012, although his outstanding performances over the last 12 months have attracted interest from a clutch of Europe's top clubs prompting the need for the Reds to offer improved terms.
 
Goal understands that Luis Enrique's Barca have been keeping tabs on the teenage sensation, while La Liga rivals Real Madrid, as well as Manchester City and Chelsea, have also been monitoring Sterling's contract situation.
 
The former Queens Park Rangers youngster joined Liverpool back in 2010 and, after initially making his Premier League debut during the 2011-12 season, a fantastic 2013-14 campaign has seen him emerge as a key player for both club and country.


 
With speculation growing over the 19-year-old's future, Goal can reveal that Liverpool are now convinced that they have reached a positive conclusion over Sterling's contract, with the England star set to earn new terms in excess of £100k a week.
 
"The deal is done as far as Liverpool are concerned," a source close to the contract talks told Goal.

 
"The general agreement is in place and - barring any unforeseen issues – this new deal should be announced sooner rather than later."
 
Like Liverpool team-mate Daniel Sturridge, Sterling has been embroiled in a club vs country row in recent times, with Roy Hodgson insisting tiredness prompted his decision to leave the midfielder out of his starting XI for Sunday's European Championship qualifying win over Estonia.
 

Having made over 50 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Sterling has blossomed under Brendan Rodgers's tutelage at Anfield and Goal understands that the Northern Irishman's presence was ultimately the deciding factor in the teenager's decision to stay with the Merseyside club.