Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans believes Raheem Sterling's desire to leave Anfield is not financially motivated.
Sterling and his agent have been roundly criticised after rejecting the Reds' offer of an extension to his current contract, which expires next summer, and would see the player earn £100,000-a-week.
The 20-year-old was booed during England's 0-0 friendly draw with Ireland in Dublin on Sunday afternoon and it seems likely that Sterling will leave Liverpool in the current transfer window.
Manchester City have been linked with the player, and although their vast financial power would come into play for any potential deal, Evans has doubts that money is the cause of Sterling’s discontent.
"That's been a worry for a while," Evans told Sky Sports News HQ. "Obviously I'm not privy to what happens in dressing rooms nowadays.
"Raheem is not quite the finished article yet and it's disappointing that he wants to move somewhere else. I don't think it's all about money.
"At the end of the day, £100,000 or £200,000 doesn't really make an awful lot of difference. I would just like to know the real reason why he wants to leave."
Evans has also added his voice to those who feel Sterling would be best served by staying at Liverpool and developing his game before seeking a move away.
He also felt England manager Roy Hodgson was wrong for suggesting Sterling needs ‘a thicker skin’ to deal with the vocal criticism he received in Dublin.
"I think the best thing for him to do is to stay, learn a bit more from Liverpool and then if further down the line you want to go to Real Madrid or Barcelona, then you can," added Evans, who managed Liverpool from 1994-1998 after 28 years on the club’s coaching staff.
"I think Roy was a bit unkind when he said he has to get a thick skin. When you're a young kid and you're getting a lot stick from the Liverpool fans, you have to take it on the chin.
"At his age, it’s difficult and it can knock your confidence. It will be a loss for Liverpool as I think he is a great talent and with his potential. he could go far but if he doesn't want to stay, there then there's no point trying to keep him."
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