Raheem Sterling: Real Madrid could launch move for Liverpool midfielder after impressive season

Sterling is attracting attention after a tremendous season with the Reds

Rahem Stirling during on of England's matches (PA)

Real Madrid have been linked with a summer move for Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling according to reports in Spain, although the Reds are keen to tie down the England star to a new contract at Anfield.

Sterling shone in England’s first World Cup match and enjoyed a tremendous season for Liverpool that saw his become a key figure for both club and country.

But according to Spanish newspaper AS, Real could look to make a move for the 19-year-old as the long-term successor to Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports emerged two weeks’ ago that the reigning Champions League holders are looking into signing Sterling, and it is now believed that they could push through a deal this summer for the attacking midfielder.

Sterling’s pace and ability to run at defenders helped Liverpool secure a top-two finish last season in the Premier League, and also led to Roy Hodgson choosing Sterling over talisman Wayne Rooney to start in the number 10 shirt for England.

A number of clubs are said to be looking at Sterling, although Liverpool will not be forced to sell having secured their return to the Champions League, meaning that both the financial boost and the promise of top European football will help keep their biggest names at Anfield as well as attracting new ones.

Real have been linked with a £70m move for Luis Suarez before the striker was banned from the World Cup for his bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini, but it’s suggested that they could offer as much as £30m for Sterling on the basis that he will develop into one of the biggest attacking threats in the world.

Initial reports claimed that Real would hold off moving for Sterling until next summer on the basis of giving him another year to prove he can cut it at the highest level, but his promising performance in the World Cup - even though England crashed out - combined with Cristiano Ronaldo's worrying injury issues due to an ongoing tendonosis issue could see them launch a bid sooner rather than later.