Raheem Sterling could be set for a move away from Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers is set to allow young winger Raheem Sterling to leave the club on loan so he can get some more first-team football.
Sterling shot to prominence last season when he was handed a few starts in the Premier League. He went on to make 24 appearances in the league last year for Liverpool, but has only had the one start so far this season. He has mainly featured from the bench and now looks set for a loan move. Sterling made his debut for England aged just 17 last year and looks set for a bright future in the game. He will have a number of suitors vying to sign him on loan.
Here are five possible loan destinations:
Newcastle United
Newcastle United are a club that were linked heavily with Wilfried Zaha earlier in the season when it was rumoured he could be leaving on loan. They do currently have a couple of fast wingers already available but would want to strengthen those areas. Loic Remy and Hatem Ben Arfa are both capable of great performances out wide, but have also been used centrally by Alan Pardew. Gabriel Obertan has failed to impress in his time at St James’ Park and Sylvain Marveaux could be set for a move back to France. This would be a great move for Sterling, a chance to play regularly in front of some of the most passionate fans in the country.
Celtic
A move to Parkhead could be on the cards where Raheem would hear the familiar sounds of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. If Celtic can extend their European adventure this season by finishing in the top three of their Champions League group, then it would be a perfect opportunity for Sterling to test his skills. He enjoyed a run in the side in Liverpool‘s Europa League campaign last year, and could feature in the latter stages for the Hoops. Celtic would welcome someone of Sterling’s talent but Liverpool may be wary of the quality of the SPL. Loan moves to Celtic have worked in the past for former Liverpool players Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy.
Southampton
The Saints are a club that are admired by many for the way they play the game. Brendan Rodgers will agree that they press high up the pitch and play nice flowing attacking football. Something which he would like Sterling to gain more experience in. Sterling would be able to move to a club enjoying a great season, and it would be easier for him to show off his talents rather than feeling under pressure at a side battling against relegation. Although due to Southampton‘s impressive team, he might not be granted a first team place all the time.
Swansea City
Another possible Premier League destination for Sterling is that of Swansea. This could be a likely move for a number of reasons. Firstly there is the Brendan Rodgers connection between the two clubs. He would be more than happy to send Sterling to the Liberty Stadium as he would know he would be taken care of. Swansea have continued their attractive football mantra under Michael Laudrup and like to play with expansive, fast wingers. This could all provide the perfect opportunity for Sterling to develop his talent.
QPR
A return to his first club QPR could be on the cards. The Jamaican-born winger spent much of his youth career at Queens Park Rangers before joining Liverpool aged 15 for a potential fee of £5m. It would be an intriguing prospect for him to return to Loftus Road, but one that he would surely be interested in. Having never had the chance to play for the first team at the club he spent seven years at, this would be a great opportunity for him that he would relish. QPR do currently have a big squad but Harry Redknapp has never been one to shy away from making another signing.
A Load of Balls 