Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Manchester United have made the first move for unhappy Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, according to multiple back pages this morning.
The Times, Daily Mail , Daily Telegraph and Daily Star all report on their back pages that Manchester United have submitted an enquiry for the 20-year-old, who has also been linked to Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City this week after revealing he wanted to leave Anfield.
Liverpool are believed to have rejected the move from their bitter rivals, telling Louis van Gaal that there is no chance they are going to do business with the club, even if he was for sale.
Show all 7 1 /7Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Felipe Anderson The Lazio midfielder has enjoyed his breakthrough season in Italy this year, but that has alerted a number of clubs across Europe including Liverpool. The 22-year-old Brazilian is contracted to the Serie A club until 2020 and will therefore cost a significant amount if he were to move this summer, but it’s believed he has the potential to become one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in the world if he continues his steep development curve.
Getty Images
Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Theo Walcott Arsenal’s pace merchant is finding it hard to break back into the first team after recovering from the ruptured cruciate ligament that sidelined him for over a year. With doubts over his fitness, his suitability to the current Arsenal side and whether he’s a better option compared to his team-mates, rumours have linked him with a dramatic Arsenal exit. Liverpool would be one of the teams in for the England winger, who can also play in attack, and given that his speed can terrify any defence he would be a suitable option to replace Sterling.
GETTY IMAGES
Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Marco Reus Any move for Reus appears to be hinged on firing Brendan Rodgers and hiring Jürgen Klopp, and given the noises coming out of Anfield, it’s unlikely to happen this summer. But if another transfer window goes belly-up, don’t be surprised to see Klopp at the club soon after with Reus in tow. The Germany international is a wonderfully gifted player who combines pace and skill to dazzle defences. He has struggled with a persistent ankle injury in recent months, but he would add a proven quality to the Liverpool ranks.
Getty Images
Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Divock Origi Rodgers already knows one signing he will see arrive at Anfield in the summer as Belgium striker Divock Origi will complete the permanent move he agreed last year, having spent the season on loan with Lille. Rodgers could look to revert to the tactics he deployed last season when he had Luis Suarez to pair up with Daniel Sturridge, and although Origi is nowhere near the level Suarez was at present, the Northern Irishman will hope he has unearthed a gem when he arrives in the Premier League.
GETTY IMAGES
Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Alexandre Lacazette The French forward is being courted by the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, but Liverpool could look to show a sign of intent by launching a bid for him before their rivals. Lacazette is equally adept at playing as a striker or out wide, and it would depend on how Rodgers would choose to deploy him to where he would feature. The France international has helped Lyon secure second in Ligue 1 and will finish the season as top goalscorers barring any heroics from Andre-Pierre Gignac, who trails by six goals.
Getty Images
Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Jeremy Menez Menez’s brother and agent has fuelled talk of a move away from AC Milan by admitting he is likely to leave this summer, and even addressed rumours of a move to Liverpool as well as Monaco. However, at this point in time they are just rumours, and despite being able to play out wide he is more suited to an attacking role through the middle.
Getty Images
Who could Liverpool sign to replace Raheem Sterling? Ezequiel Lavezzi The Argentine has fallen off the radar in recent months, but his future at Paris Saint-Germain remains far from certain and a move to the Premier League has always appeared on the cards. At home out wide on the wing, Lavezzi can also do a job up front, and would bring a physicality to the attack that is currently missing in Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Ibe.
GETTY IMAGES
The last player to move directly from one club to the other was when Phil Chisnall joined Liverpool from United in 1964.
The Telegraph also state that any interested party would have to bid much more than £40milllion for the England international.
Liverpool's American owners could make drastic changes to the club's transfer committee and are seeking answers to the failed signings of last summer.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies