Raheem Sterling not good enough for Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester City - Phil Neville

Former England player says the 20-year-old should remain a Liverpool player

Raheem Sterling reacts in frustration after missing a chance (Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling would struggle to get into many other top sides, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City according to Phil Neville.

The Liverpool forward has indicated that his future lies away from Anfield amid an impasse over a new contract in which he has rejected a £100,000-a-week deal.

The England international stepped up the wrangle between club and player this week by giving an interview to the BBC in which he insisted he wasn't a 'money-grabber' but gave no assurances over his future.

It's led to the 20-year-old being linked with a host of clubs, however Neville questions whether Sterling would be able to break into the starting XI at some of those reportedly interested in signing him.

"I don't think he would get into Chelsea's team with Diego Costa there," said the former Manchester United and Everton defender.

"Would he make Manchester City's team with Sergio Aguero there? Manchester United with Wayne Rooney there?"

Speaking on the BBC, Neville continued: "It has been horrifically mismanaged - not just this week.

"I was reading about this last April. This is a 20-year-old who should just be concentrating on playing football.

"I think Liverpool have to play hardball with Sterling. As for Sterling, it is fine having agents, but at some point you have to take ownership of your own career and say: 'I want to sign a contract. I am at the right club at the right time.'

"At the moment, he is at the best club who are helping him to develop and giving him a platform to play. They have stood by him and given him a good contract. He has 27 months left on that contract.

"In two years, if he wants to play with Real Madrid and his career goes in the right direction, he will still be able to do that. But at the moment he should get on with playing football."