Raheem Sterling
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."
