Manchester United transfers: Liverpool braced for Raheem Sterling bid of £25m by bitterest rivals

Louis van Gaal is convinced the unsettled forward WILL leave Anfield this summer but his opening gambit is likely to spark summer-long bidding war

Wrong number: United's offer will surely just start the Sterling bidding

Manchester United are set to make a £25million offer for Raheem Sterling - kicking off a transfer-window arms-race over the unsettled Liverpool star.
United’s first approach for the player was firmly rejected by their arch-rivals last month.
But Louis van Gaal refuses to give up on Sterling, and United will further test the Anfield chiefs’ resolve by tabling a bid in the next few days.



Van Gaal recognises the 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League and believes he could flourish with the Old Trafford giants.
The Dutchman feels Sterling WILL move this summer because of his contract impasse with Liverpool and is determined to try for the England forward.

While Liverpool will reject United’s bid, their move could prompt neighbours Manchester City to make an offer of their own - they are long-term admirers of Sterling.
Deposed champions City have the cash to pay the £40m-£50m it's expected will be needed to tempt Liverpool to cash in on the contract-rebel star.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also monitoring developments - and it is believed Sterling would prefer to move back to his home city of London.