Former Chelsea midfielder and coach Ray Wilkins has defended Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling over his delayed contract talks with the club, according to the Daily Star.
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Sterling’s long-term future at Anfield looks in doubt at the moment as he continues to put off signing a new deal, but Wilkins believes he may be right to be considering taking his time before committing his future to the Merseyside giants.
Liverpool currently look unlikely to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football for next season, while Sterling’s own form has suffered somewhat after being played in the unfamiliar role of wing-back by manager Brendan Rodgers, a role Wilkins believes does not suit the 20-year-old.
“He should keep his options open, there’s no two ways about it,” Wilkins said.
“His talent is Champions League level and I know he’s playing wing-back at the moment for Liverpool and that doesn’t suit him at all.”
Arsenal are the most recent team to be linked with a move for Sterling by today’s Daily Mirror, with Liverpool being made to sweat over the future of one of their best and most important players.