Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed the club have spoken to Raheem Sterling’s representatives about a new deal – and insists the winger is happy to stay at Anfield.
Teenage England international Sterling, arguably the Reds’ most impressive performer so far this season, has recently been linked with Real Madrid and Paris SG.
The 19-year-old signed a “long-term” deal with the Merseysiders in 2012. And regarding the situation in terms of fresh contract talks with Sterling, Rodgers says “everything is calm”.
“It is not a big issue for us,” Rodgers said.
“We have spoken to his representatives and is quite relaxed. The club is dealing with the agent so everything is calm.”
Weidenfeller back-up
Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Roman Weidenfeller, who made his Germany debut at 33, can hope to remain part of the squad as they look to qualify for Euro 2016, national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke said yesterday.
Weidenfeller was long overlooked by head coach Joachim Loew before outstanding seasons with his club finally earned him a call-up last November.
“Euro 2016 would be a fitting finale at 36 for him,” Koepke said.
“He remains part of our plans, this is what has been discussed.”
Weidenfeller, 34, has won four caps in total.
Paris SG fear factor
Paris St Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi claimed his side were consumed by fear after the Ligue 1 champions yet again failed to hold on to a lead.
PSG had looked set to record a much-needed win on Sunday against Monaco but last year’s runners-up snatched a point deep in stoppage time.
That was PSG’s sixth draw in nine league matches this season.
“It’s happened again. It’s a bad habit – it’s got to stop,” Matuidi said.
“We were too pensive and I am sure that’s why we conceded that goal. When you allow yourself to be consumed by fear, it won’t show you any mercy, and so that’s what happens.”
David Villa set for Melbourne debut
Spain’s record goalscorer David Villa could make his debut for Melbourne City against Sydney FC this weekend.
Villa has joined the Australian side on a short-term loan deal from their sister club New York City FC, who signed the former Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Valencia player on a three-year contract in June.
The 32-year-old arrived in Melbourne on Sunday evening and met up with his new team-mates yesterday morning.
The World Cup winner is now in line to feature in Melbourne City’s opening A-League match against Sydney on Saturday.
Lampard could stay at Man. City
Frank Lampard has not dismissed the possibility of his loan at Manchester City being extended.
The former Chelsea midfielder has made a strong impact at the Etihad Stadium since joining on a short-term deal from sister club New York City. The 36-year-old’s form has led to speculation that his spell at City could be extended by at least a month to February 2015.
Lampard said: “The temptation is to not get ahead of myself in my career. I am here until January 1, basically, so I will focus on that and see what happens then.
“There has been a lot said about when the season starts, but the only thing that can decide my future is how well I am playing. I am just looking game to game.”
Former Ukraine midfielder dies
Former Ukraine midfielder Serhiy Zakarlyuka has been killed in a car accident, local media reported yesterday.
The 38-year-old Zakarlyuka played nine times for Ukraine between 2002 and 2004.
The accident came less than a month after 41-year-old former Ukraine international Andrey Gusin died in a motorbike crash outside Kiev.
Earlier this year, former Dynamo Kiev midfielder and Belarus international Valentyn Byalkevich died aged 41 after suffering an aneurysm and midfielder Andriy Bal, who won the 1986 European Cup Winners’ Cup with Dynamo Kiev, passed away at the age of 56 following a blood clot.
Shaqiri still giving his all at Bayern
Xherdan Shaqiri admits he will just have to make the most of a situation he is not necessarily happy with at Bayern Munich.
After seeing opportunities limited last season he was keen on playing more regularly elsewhere, but after being told a move was not on the cards and with the appearances still rare, he insists he is not going to rock the boat.
“I’ve still got a contract until 2016 and the club have already told me I won’t be going anywhere so I’ve just got to accept that,” he said.
“For as long as I am here, I will give everything I’ve got.”
Juventus were among the clubs who showed an interest in the Swiss player in the summer.