Liverpool should forget about talking to Raheem Sterling or his agent unless a big offer comes in for him, says Dietmar Hamann.
Sterling has been at the centre of a contract row, and recently revealed he will not be signing an extension on his current deal, which has two years remaining.
Sterling’s agent, Aidy Ward, has come under fire for the ordeal being played out in public, and former Liverpool midfielder Hamann, speaking to Sky Sports News HQ at the Well Child Ed Chamberlin Classic golf day, believes the club should stand firm.
“It’s time for Liverpool to flex their muscles and show players and agents that this is Liverpool Football Club,” he said.
“I’m not sure whether Sterling’s agent would have come out with this quotes if he played for another club – whether it was Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea or Man Utd.
“Liverpool have got to show their teeth now and show people ‘this is how we do things’.
“Unless a club comes in with a big offer I wouldn’t even speak to the agent or the player. The player’s got two years left on his contract – there’s no need to talk now.
“I certainly wouldn’t offer him a new contract. I would wait and see because I think the jury’s still out. He’s a very talented player, but he was under par last season.”
Hamann admitted, however, it will be difficult for Liverpool to keep Sterling if he is already set on leaving.
If that is the case, says the German, Liverpool will want to cash in to avoid disruption, but they may struggle to get the fee they want.
“I always find it very difficult, when a player wants to leave the club, to keep them,” he added.
“If his head’s not there, he doesn’t want to be there, it’s a tricky situation.
“I’d rather see him somewhere else and get the money, but having said that, the price has got to be right.
“Whatever Liverpool ask for him – in excess of £35m, £40m or maybe £50m – whether anybody pays it I don’t know.”
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