John Barnes has told Liverpool star Raheem Sterling to forget about moving to Manchester City.
SEE MORE
Count yourself lucky: Harry Redknapp SLAMS Liverpool contract-rebel Raheem Sterling
Liverpool and England ace Raheem Sterling certain to miss Italy game
(Video) On this day: Liverpool youngster Raheem Sterling made his debut – here are his top five moments
According the the Daily Mirror, Barnes thinks Sterling should stay at Anfield to hone his skills, rather than opting for a big money move.
“Raheem Sterling should absolutely sign the contract and stay at Liverpool,” Barnes said. “I would advise any young player who has just been in the game for a year or so to stay and learn his trade. Show a level of consistently over a four or five year period before you make a big move. You will then be judged as a £50m player”.
“We’ve seen it with Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell at Manchester City. Where are they now? Sterling is not ready for a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City. He needs another two or three years at Liverpool. Then, if he decides he wants to move on, fine. He has to be very careful though.”
Sterling was recently granted permission to leave the England squad early and not travel to Italy for next week’s friendly, with boss Roy Hodgson conscious of the youngster suffering a premature burnout.