Meanwhile, Liverpool are awaiting the outcome of a proposed agency split involving Raheem Sterling’s representatives before they can secure the youngster’s new contract.
The Merseyside club are in negotiations with Sterling over a long-term deal which they hoped to have signed before the end of this month. However, Sterling’s agent Aidy Ward is in the process of what he insists is an amicable split from Impact Sports Management. That has complicated the process with Sterling because a commission will be paid to the representative who facilitates the deal and Liverpool will need to establish whether the fees will go to Impact or the new agency set up by Ward.
Despite the delay, Liverpool have insisted throughout the process they will tie the youngster to new terms. He has been linked with various rival clubs, including Real Madrid, as he negotiates a deal expected to be in excess of £100,000 a week.