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Real Madrid will attempt to convince Liverpool that they are better off selling Raheem Sterling to them over a Premier League rival, according to reports.
New Bernabeu manager Rafael Benitez admitted during his unveiling as Carlo Ancelotti's successor that he is familiar with Sterling although refused to speak any further about a possible bid in public.
It's claimed that the former Liverpool manager will use his Anfield ties to communicate with the club that Real Madrid would be the best suitor to sell Sterling to.
Manchester City are understood to be leading the race but allowing the 20-year-old a switch to the Etihad could have a direct impact on Liverpool's ambitions.
Show all 24 1 /24Liverpool season player ratings Liverpool season player ratings GOALKEEPERS: Simon Mignolet Was dropped after some really shaky form at the start of the season but recovered well to have a pretty solid campaign. But still not good enough to be Liverpool's No 1. 6.5/10
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Liverpool season player ratings Brad Jones Produced one of the worst performances in recent memory in the defeat at Old Trafford. His injury on Boxing Day was a bit of a blessing in disguise. 2
Liverpool season player ratings DEFENDERS: Glen Johnson Never nailed down a regular spot this season and will leave the club this summer having never really lived up to his £18m price-tag. 5
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Liverpool season player ratings Jose Enrique Rodgers didn't fancy him last season and even less so this time round. Started just two Premier League matches. 2
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Liverpool season player ratings Alberto Moreno A real mixed season for the youngster. A talented and dangerous attacker but makes too many fatal errors. Plenty of room to improve defensively, however. 5
Liverpool season player ratings Javier Manquillo Didn't start a league game in 2015 and endured a miserable time on the rare occasions he did manage to play. Has a long way to go. 3
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Liverpool season player ratings Kolo Toure Produced heroics in Madrid but also an error-strewn horror show in the Emirates. At 34 his future at the club is limited. 3
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Liverpool season player ratings Dejan Lovren Where to start? Looks close to a £20,000 player than a £20m one after a horrible season. Never got to grips with the pressure that being a Liverpool player would bring. 2
Liverpool season player ratings Mamadou Sakho Athletically gifted and capable of good performances, Sakho also looks like a Sunday League player at times. There always seems to be an error round the corner. 4
Liverpool season player ratings Martin Skrtel Liverpool's most consistent defender this season, Skrtel is very capable and has rarely put a foot wrong this term. 7.5
Liverpool season player ratings Emre Can Did a good job playing as a third centre-back but next season should be given a real run in his favoured midfield position. Showed great flashes of promise and easily Liverpool's best buy last summer. 7
Liverpool season player ratings MIDFIELDERS: Steven Gerrard Amid the emotion of his farewell tour Gerrard has had a torrid season. Last year was one of the best of his career but without Suarez and Sturridge the captain was unable to provide match his performances. Rodgers dropped the 'quarterback' role in the autumn and the years finally seemed to catch up to Gerrard. 5.5
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Liverpool season player ratings Jordan Henderson Stepped into his role as vice-captain and the man most likely to replace Gerrard. Offers a blend of graft, skill and drive that is hard to find. Liverpool's captain for the foreseeable future. 8
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Liverpool season player ratings Lucas Leiva It's a shame that the holding midfielder got injured just at the time when the 3-4-3 started to come together. Needs to stear clear of injury but still an intelligent performer. 5
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Liverpool season player ratings Joe Allen Allen is neat and tidy but doesn't offer much more. One goal all season, seems afraid to tackle and is weak when facing the best. His £15m fee is one of the worst pieces of business in Liverpool history. 5
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Liverpool season player ratings Philppe Coutinho The brightest spot of miserable season, Coutinho has truly arrived as one of the Premier League's best. Offers drive and skill from his attacking midfield position as well as an eye for goal - Reds fans should expect more of the same next year. 8.5
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Liverpool season player ratings Adam Lallana Has shown flashes but for £25m so much more was expected. Not quite a flop but the former Southampton man needs to do a lot more to justify his fee next season. 6.5
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Liverpool season player ratings Jordon Ibe In just seven Premier League starts he gave Liverpool fans a lot to look forward to. The powerful teenager was about to make the wing-back position his own before injury and he should get a big role in the team next year. 6
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Liverpool season player ratings Lazar Markovic Was bought as one for the future but a £20m winger who looks better when playing as a wing-back is quite worrying. At 21 time is on his side but he must start producing soon. 4
Liverpool season player ratings Raheem Sterling Has unlimited potential but very rarely produced on the pitch this season - he only got seven goals in the Premier League. Doesn't seem like he'll be at the club next year and even if he is, will Liverpool fans forgive him? 6.5
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Liverpool season player ratings STRIKERS: Fabio Borini Not good enough for Liverpool. At all. He cost £10.5m and has scored three league goals since 2012. 2
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Liverpool season player ratings Rickie Lambert Was seen as a no-risk back-up option when he was the toast of England last season. That was before Sturridge got injured and Balotelli delivered nothing. 3
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Liverpool season player ratings Mario Balotelli A £16m gamble that completely back-fired. One goal and numerous off-field antics later, Balotelli doesn't have a future at the club. 1
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Liverpool season player ratings Daniel Sturridge Liverpool's season went down the pan with Sturridge's injury and got even worse with his numerous problems thereafter. Needs to bounce back next year. 3
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Benitez may also be able to convince the want-away Sterling that the Bernabeu would be the best move considering it was him that signed him as a 15-year-old for Liverpool.
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