Raheem Sterling has been the subject of heavy criticism from former Anfield man Jason McAteer, following his long and drawn out contract discussions with Liverpool, according to the Express.
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Sky Sports pundit has no problems with Raheem Sterling leaving Liverpool for money
Raheem Sterling ready to turn down £180k a week Liverpool contract
The 20-year-old England international is reportedly unwilling to sign a huge £180,000 per week contract at Anfield, putting off negotiations until the summer in a bid to concentrate on his football.
If rumours, also reported by the Express, are to be believed, Arsenal are closely monitoring the situation and following doubts over Theo Walcott’s contract situation, are ready to make a bid.
Former midfielder McAteer believes that Sterling is doing the Reds a “disservice” after being “misguided” by his advisors after turning down the contract offer.
He said, “It’s stop-start on these contract negotiations. It’s a little bit messy. It looks like [Raheem Sterling] is holding out for something.
“You know how the football world works, someone will be in his ear telling him this and that. I think he’s just got to knuckle down and let his performances do the talking.
“Liverpool is the right place for him, certainly for the next two or three seasons where he’s going to develop and play every week in the first team. He’s under a good manager and it’s a good young team as well.
“There are rumours of him going to Barcelona or Real Madrid, but then it’s all about a culture change.
“I just think he’s being misguided somewhere along the line. The club and Brendan will be telling him all the right things.
“Brendan is a good young coach with great ideas who has worked with youngsters before. He’s a good man manager as well and Liverpool is a massive club.
“I think he’s doing them a disservice by saying he wants to leave because Liverpool are on the up.”
The jet-heeled winger has featured heavily for the Anfield side this season, scoring seven goals and assisting eight in 36 appearances, while also winning the European Golden Boy award at Christmas, Sterling would be a huge miss for Liverpool.