Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson feels that it would not be a massive blow for the Reds if Raheem Sterling decides to leave the club.
The 20-year-old yesterday confirmed that he won't be signing any new deal with Brendan Rodgers' side until the end of the season.
His words sparked speculation about the youngster's potential desire to leave the club, with a number of clubs including the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid showing keen interest in securing the services of the player.
Though the manager himself thinks that Sterling is very much a part of the club's future plans, Lawrenson insists that the club won't be affected too much if Sterling leaves.
Defending his statement, the 57-year-old highlighted Rodgers' knack of picking up new and exciting players, besides occasionally hitting "jackpots" like Luis Suarez.
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And that Lawrenson insists is the key to modern Liverpool.
"I wouldn't say it would be a massive blow", Lawrenson told BBC while speaking about the impact of losing Sterling.
"If you look at the evolution of Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers, it's about getting new and young players, raising their value and if you occasionally hit the jackpot a la Luis Suarez, then take the money and rebuild the team."
The former defender also took time speak about the next course of action for Rodgers in order to pacify Sterling during the remainder of the season.
"The manager now has to manage. The first thing you say to Sterling is: 'forget about all this, we have points to play for, we want to finish in the top four for the Champions League, and we want to win the FA Cup'.
"It's almost a case of: 'over to you'."
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