Brendan Rodgers holds firm in Raheem Sterling stand-off

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists the club will not back down in the increasingly acrimonious battle over Raheem Sterling’s contract.

Owners Fenway Sports Group have proved previously in their handling of Luis Suarez, undoubtedly a better player and far more valuable to the Reds, they will not be bullied by players agitating for a move.

So the comments about Sterling “definitely not” signing a new contract even for £900,000 (€1.2 million)-a-week made by agent Aidy Ward, although subsequently disputed by him, cut little ice with John W Henry across the Atlantic.