Zimpapers Logo

BANGKOK. — Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed the transfer of England international Raheem Sterling to a rival English Premier League soccer team, pending a medical test.

British media reported on Sunday that Liverpool had reached an agreement with Manchester City to transfer Sterling in a deal worth £49 million.

Rodgers, speaking at a news conference in Thailand where Liverpool are kicking off their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, did not provide any specific details on the transfer but confirmed that an agreement had been reached.

Rodgers also denied that there has been any fall-out with Sterling, who was on the verge of completing his move to Manchester City yesterday.

The transfer of the 20-year-old England winger is still subject to contract negotiations and a medical but the two clubs have agreed a fee of £49m.

Sterling had asked to leave Anfield and was the subject of two bids from City in June, which were rejected.

The player was reported to have said that the breakdown of his relationship with his manager was one of the reasons for wanting to leave.

Rodgers said: “The situation currently is simple. The club has agreed with another club a deal for Raheem to be transferred. Subject to a medical, that will go through.

“Contrary to the last week or so, in terms of what was written, Raheem and I have always remained very strong in our relationship, and have been up until he left. There is no issue there.”

Rodgers has already been busy in the transfer market, and new boys James Milner, Danny Ings, Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez and Adam Bogdan are all with the squad on the tour.

Roberto Firmino is still on holiday following the Copa America but Rodgers is delighted to have secured the services of the Brazil international from Wolfsburg.

Rodgers said: “He’s a top class player. He’s played in Europe, so he understands it.

“There’s no pressure. He’ll come in to the PL, and it will take time to adapt. But he has all the traits and the profile that we would want. He works hard, has talent and can score goals. We’re really excited. It was important to improve and build the squad for the season. We’re very pleased with the players we’ve brought in.

“The key for us is the overall team. Individuals like Raheem will have benefited from the team.

“We aim to be much stronger and more competitive than we were last season, and we’re relying on everyone.

“The focus has been really good, the start has been strong. Hopefully we can remain that way over pre-season and take that confidence into the new season.”

Liverpool missed out on Champions League football with a sixth-place finish last season but Rodgers refused to be drawn on what his target is for the season. — AFP.