Premier League - Rodgers confirms Sterling exit, rejects conflict talk
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed a deal is in place with Manchester City for wantaway winger Raheem Sterling.
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Raheem Sterling is trying to force a move away
Sterling will have a medical at City ahead of a £49 million switch to the Etihad, making him the second most expensive British player in history after
Gareth Bale.
[IN DETAIL:
Raheem Sterling's £49m move in numbers]
However, Rodgers denied there was a problem between him and Sterling, insisting their relationship was “very strong”.
“The situation currently is simple,” Rodgers told a press conference. “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's no issue there.”
City have been linked with a move for Sterling ever since his contract talks stalled, and then ended, with Liverpool.
Early bids of £25m and £35m, both with add-ons, were rejected as Liverpool tried to hold out for their £50m valuation.
Talks resurfaced last week as the offer crept closer to that figure, with the sides finally reaching an agreement on Sunday.
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Sterling's £49m price tag: madness or sound value?]
But Rodgers would not be drawn on how the new funds would be spent.
"It's something I don't really want to go into in a press conference," he added.
"I spent a lot of last season talking about transfers and I don't intend to do that this year."
Rodgers confirms Sterling exit, rejects conflict talk