Liverpool have completed the signing of QPR teenager Raheem Sterling, having beaten off stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United for his signature.
Both clubs have confirmed that Liverpool have made an initial down payment. The fee will rise, depending on appearances, to a figure believed to be £2million, according to the News of The World.
Last week, it was reported that Manchester United youth chief Brian McClair had been a guest at Sterling's latest under-18 game. Arsenal were thought to be in the driving seat for Sterling's signature with their academy director, Liam Brady having met with the player. Fulham were also rumoured to be prepared to offer £1.5million plus add-ons dependent on the attacker's future success.
Sterling turned 15 recently but has missed the chance to beat the record as the Football League's youngest ever player set by Reuben Noble-Lazarus , who made his Barnsley debut at the age of 15 years and 45 days last season. There was speculation that Sterling would make his senior debut when youth coaches Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham were in temporary charge at Loftus Road, but his first appearance didn't materialized.
The young forward has impressed playing for England under-16s and has reportedly been training with QPR's first team squad, having made appearances for the club's reserve team.
However, the prospect of nurturing his career at Liverpool appears to have been too much for Sterling to resist. Commenting on the youngster's departure to Anfield, QPR's Youth Development Manager Steve Gallen wished Sterling well and said, "I hope, and I firmly believe, that he will have a great future in the game."
http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Liverpool-capture-QPR-wonderkid-Sterling/6083/Anyone know anything about him.??
And...........
QPR Official Site - Sterling Departs
Raheem Sterling has joined Liverpool for an undisclosed fee
The QPR youth product has been a regular in the QPR Under 18s this season and has also featured in the Reserves.
- The 15-year-old made his debut for the England U16s in November as a second-half substitute against Northern Ireland, and has gone on to make two further appearances for Kenny Swain's team.
- QPR's Youth Development Manager Steve Gallen said: "It is obviously disappointing to lose Raheem. I know him very well, having worked closely with him for a number of years.
- "We wanted to keep him, but Raheem was keen to play for an Academy, and Liverpool is obviously an excellent move for him, as far as that is concerned.
- "Liverpool's bid matched our valuation of him, and we all wish him well.
- "Raheem is a fantastic lad with a brilliant attitude. The players and staff are going to miss him around the place.
- "I hope, and I firmly believe, that he will have a great future in the game."
- The Club wishes Raheem well for the future. QPR
LIVERPOOL OFFICIAL SITE - Reds sign QPR midfielder
- Liverpool FC today confirmed the signing of England youth international Raheem Sterling from Championship side Queens Park Rangers. The attacking midfielder will join the club's Academy set-up in Kirkby.
- Managing Director Christian Purslow said: "The success of our Academy is vital to the future progress of the club and we have made clear that we will invest in outstanding young talent.
- "Raheem is a very exciting young English player whose progress was being closely monitored by many other leading clubs and I'm delighted he's joining us.
- "Frank McParland and his staff have done a great job in bringing him to Liverpool."
- Author: James Carroll Liverpool
http://qprreport.blogspot.com/2010/02/official-raheen-sterling-joins.html
