Tuesday 30 June 2015 16:22, UK
John Aldridge believes the ongoing transfer saga involving Raheem Sterling is “making a mockery of Liverpool Football Club” and called on manager Brendan Rodgers to sell the forward.
The Anfield club have rejected two bids, including one amounting to £40m, from Manchester City for the England international.
Liverpool value the 20-year-old at £50m but former Liverpool striker Aldridge believes selling Sterling could be a “win-win” for the club as he thinks they have a better replacement in Jordon Ibe.
With most players scheduled to return to pre-season training next week, Aldridge insists now is the time to cash in on the youngster - who has turned down the offer of a new contract on Merseyside.
"Brendan Rodgers should let Raheem Sterling leave for Manchester City now," he wrote on sports social network Kicca.
"The sooner he leaves the better for all involved. All this transfer talk is making a mockery of Liverpool Football Club.
"Raheem is obviously a hugely talented player but Liverpool have a top replacement in Jordon Ibe. I think he's got as much, if not more, potential than Raheem and will go on to be a better player.
"Sterling is obviously too young to think for himself so his agent has been doing his thinking for him.”
Aldridge, who scored 63 goals during his time at Anfield, added: "For the sake of Liverpool Football Club they should take the millions on offer and then everybody will be better off.
"Raheem will be a bit richer and Liverpool will be rid of a player who doesn't want to play for the club. It's a win-win.
"Manchester City are a big club and Raheem will get paid well and play Champions League football so he will be happy."
