London – Daniel Sturridge’s £12million move to Liverpool has faltered due to a wrangle over agents’ fees.
With teenage winger Raheem Sterling on the verge of agreeing a new Kop contract, Liverpool had hoped striker Sturridge would complete a medical on Wednesday so his transfer from Chelsea would be finalised in time for him to be unveiled on January 1.
But the medical never took place as problems emerged between Stamford Bridge and the player’s advisers over the terms of his departure. There have also been minor issues with Liverpool as the club refused to agree to the agents’ demand for a percentage of any sell-on fee.
Liverpool are stamping down on the money they pay to agents because their outlay since 2008-09 has been a staggering £31.3m – only Chelsea (£31.8m) and Manchester City (£39.02m) have paid more in the same period. Though Liverpool remain confident the deal will eventually go through, manager Brendan Rodgers has other alternatives to turn to if discussions with Sturridge break down.
Kevin Gameiro, 25, a France forward who is currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, would be a target. There was better news for Rodgers over Sterling. Both parties have shaken hands on a five-year deal for Sterling, 18, who currently earns about £2,000 a week. – Daily Mail